News Summary
A devastating flash flood in Central Texas has resulted in at least 43 fatalities, including 15 children. The flooding particularly affected the Guadalupe River area, prompting urgent evacuations in several counties. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with significant challenges faced by emergency personnel. Authorities have declared a disaster and called for continued assistance as communities begin recovery efforts.
CENTRAL TEXAS – A catastrophic flash flooding event has claimed the lives of at least 43 people, including 15 children, as the floods wreaked havoc throughout Central Texas, particularly affecting the area around the Guadalupe River. The emergency situation unfolded early Friday morning, resulting in significant damage and the need for evacuations across Kerr, Travis, Burnet, and Williamson counties.
The scene has been devastating, with search and rescue operations underway to locate those missing. Among the most affected is Camp Mystic, a summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River, where approximately 25 girls are reported missing. In the aftermath, authorities have been inundated with calls from anxious parents desperate for news about their children, prompting many to share photos of their loved ones online in hopes of assistance.
As of Friday night, the Kerr County sheriff confirmed the recovery of 24 bodies from the floodwaters, a number that may rise as rescue efforts continue. Nearly 500 emergency personnel have been deployed to facilitate search operations, utilizing helicopters and boats to navigate the impacted areas. The Texas National Guard has played a crucial role, conducting 237 rescues and evacuations using training and equipment designed for such emergencies.
In response to this dire situation, Governor Greg Abbott has signed an emergency disaster declaration for 15 counties impacted by the floods, which aims to expedite state funding for recovery efforts. The National Weather Service issued several flood warnings, categorizing the situation as particularly dangerous. Kerr County’s residents received urgent advisories to evacuate immediately as rising waters threatened their safety.
Rescue operations have been complicated by numerous challenges including downed power lines, flooded roadways, and intermittent cellphone service, hampering communication among emergency teams. Thousands are currently without power due to damaged utility poles scattered throughout the region, further complicating the rescue and recovery efforts.
Local authorities are urging all residents to refrain from traveling to flood zones unless absolutely necessary, ensuring that emergency services can operate effectively in these critical conditions. Additionally, relocation centers have been established in Kerrville and Ingram to assist families in reuniting with their loved ones who are missing.
Past experiences with flooding in the area, such as the incident in July 1987 that resulted in significant fatalities, highlight the potential dangers of the current situation. Local officials fear that the present flood conditions may exceed those of previous disasters, emphasizing the inadequate warning systems and readiness of response measures.
To assist in ongoing search efforts, the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA have been activated, operating under the coordination of Homeland Security officials. As rescue operations continue through the night and into the weekend, there is growing concern regarding deteriorating conditions and the possibility of additional rainfall that could worsen the flooding.
Emergency shelters have been opened to provide refuge for those displaced by the floods, as charitable organizations mobilize to deliver aid to affected residents. Recovery efforts are expected to be ongoing as communities begin to assess the damage and the needs of the survivors once the initial rescue operations have concluded.
In conclusion, the situation in Central Texas remains critical as search and rescue efforts continue amid ongoing challenges posed by flash flooding. The community faces a long road ahead as they come together to provide support and recovery for all those impacted.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: 2025 Texas Floods
- KVUE News
- Google Search: Texas Flash Flood 2025
- NBC DFW
- Google Scholar: Texas Flood Rescue Operations
- People Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Central Texas Floods
- CBS Austin
- Google News: Central Texas Flash Flood
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.
