News Summary
Kerr County is grappling with catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, resulting in at least 25 confirmed fatalities and 25 campers missing. The region saw over 8 inches of rain in one night, causing the river to rise rapidly. Rescue operations are underway, with support from local and federal agencies. The community is urged to stay clear of flood-prone areas while recovery efforts continue, reviving memories of past tragedies.
Kerr County, Texas
Catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River has resulted in at least 25 confirmed fatalities and left around 25 campers missing from a local girls camp following heavy rainfall on July 4, 2025. The region experienced over 8 inches of rain overnight, leading the river to rise nearly 30 feet in less than two hours.
The flooding, which began at approximately 4:00 a.m., intensified quickly with rates up to 12 inches per hour. The National Weather Service had issued multiple flood warnings, with the most urgent alert given at 2:03 a.m., advising residents to seek higher ground immediately. Kerr County officials have reported that the rising river levels and flash flooding impacted several camps in the area, specifically highlighting the circumstances around Camp Mystic. Rescue operations are actively ongoing, with Governor Greg Abbott mobilizing the Texas National Guard to assist in the search and recovery efforts.
Rescue Operations and Community Response
As of the evening of July 4, a total of 237 individuals have been rescued or evacuated, including 167 by helicopter. Emergency response teams have set up a local reunification center at a Walmart to assist families affected by the tragedies. Temporary shelters have also been activated in response to evacuations in the Kerrville area, where nearly 3,000 residents have experienced power outages due to the flooding.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining clear of flood-prone areas and have discouraged residents from self-deploying to assist with rescue operations, in light of concerns regarding the efficiency and timeliness of existing warning protocols. This public outcry has highlighted the need for a reevaluation of river monitoring practices.
Support from Federal Agencies
In addition to local rescue efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Coast Guard have also been activated to aid in recovery operations. State officials have affirmed that search and rescue activities will continue around the clock until all missing individuals are accounted for.
Historical Context and Community Impact
This catastrophic event has stirred memories of a similar flood in 1987, when ten teenagers lost their lives, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of the area to severe weather conditions. Local officials encourage impacted community members to reach out for support, with reports from business owners indicating devastating losses due to flood damage.
Parents of the missing campers have been directed to specific phone lines for updates on their children’s status as the situation continues to evolve. While the weather service maintains a flood watch for the region predicting additional rainfall, the community remains resilient in the face of this tragedy, with local officials expressing gratitude for the support and cooperation of residents during this difficult time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Catastrophic Flash Floods Devastate Central Texas
Devastating Flooding in Kerr County Leaves 24 Dead
San Antonio Faces Severe Thunderstorm Risks Overnight
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Damage in San Antonio
Severe Hailstorms Hit San Antonio Causing Major Disruptions
Severe Storms Cause Havoc in San Antonio and Hill Country
Severe Thunderstorms Bring Rain and Hail to San Antonio
Additional Resources
- New York Times: Texas Floods
- Wikipedia: Guadalupe River
- KSAT: Guadalupe River Flashback
- Google Search: Guadalupe River Flood 2025
- USA Today: Guadalupe River Flooding
- Google Scholar: Guadalupe River Flood
- Houston Chronicle: Deadly Flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in Texas 2025
- Fox News: Devastating Texas Flood
- Google News: Guadalupe River Flood 2025
