News Summary
Central Texas faces devastating consequences from severe flooding, resulting in 68 confirmed deaths and many missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, particularly for children swept away from a summer camp. The flooding has inflicted severe damage on local communities, prompting urgent responses from state officials. As the region continues to cope with the aftermath of this disaster, federal and local agencies emphasize the need for greater preparedness for future weather crises.
Central Texas Flooding Claims Lives and Causes Destruction
Central Texas is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding that has resulted in 68 confirmed deaths and left dozens missing following severe rainfall during the July 4 holiday weekend. The flooding severely impacted areas along the Guadalupe River, and search and rescue teams are tirelessly working to locate those still unaccounted for.
According to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, the death toll includes at least 40 adults and 28 children, with the situation remaining dire as rescue operations are ongoing. At least 27 children and one counselor have gone missing after they were swept away from Camp Mystic, a riverside Christian summer camp, when the floodwaters rapidly rose.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams have successfully evacuated over 850 individuals from affected areas and have recovered 27 deceased individuals so far. The rapid nature of the flash floods, attributed to an extraordinary downpour that saw nearly 12 inches of rain in just 12 hours, caused the Guadalupe River to exceed its flood stage significantly.
Impact on Communities
The flooding has caused extensive damage across multiple communities, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to local businesses and homes. Many residents now find themselves homeless and without power. The conditions have been exacerbated by the rising water levels at both Canyon Lake and Lake Travis, which have surged by 10 to 20 feet since the onset of the rains.
In the wake of this natural disaster, the National Weather Service has issued fresh flood warnings and watches for Central Texas, with predictions of additional heavy rainfall on the horizon. Community leaders are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential further flooding.
Remembering the Victims
Tragically, Camp Mystic had approximately 750 girls in attendance when the floods struck. Camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland lost his life while attempting to rescue campers from the rising waters. The Archdiocese of San Antonio has called for prayers for the victims, reflecting the sense of community and support that has emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy.
State Response and Community Preparedness
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the flooding a “100-year catastrophe”, asserting the need for a thorough review of the emergency responses executed during this disaster. Additionally, Kerrville’s City Manager has emphasized the importance of this situation as a pivotal moment for community recovery, urging a focus on improving preparedness for future weather events.
To aid individuals in the community, AT&T has established a mobile connectivity center in Kerrville to help residents regain communication. Over 1,000 state personnel, along with K9 units and helicopters, are dedicated to ongoing search and recovery operations until all missing persons are accounted for.
The widespread devastation brings into focus the community’s resilience and unity as they mourn the losses and work toward recovering from this unprecedented crisis. As Central Texas begins the grueling process of reconstruction, the focus will also shift to establishing measures that can mitigate the impact of similar catastrophic weather events in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Catastrophic Flooding in Central Texas Claims Lives
Tragic Flash Floods Hit Central Texas with Heavy Toll
Devastating Flooding Claims Lives in Central Texas
Tragic Flash Flooding in Kerr County Claims Lives
Catastrophic Flooding Claims Lives and Traps Campers in Kerrville
Additional Resources
- New York Times: Texas Floods
- Wikipedia: Flood
- CNN: Texas Floods Video
- Google Search: Texas Floods 2025
- ABC News: Deadly Rainstorms
- Google Scholar: Texas Floods 2025
- NBC News: Texas Flooding Family Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Floods
- Express News: Kerr County Flooding
- Google News: Texas Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
