News Summary
Kerr County, Texas, faced devastating flooding on July 4, 2025, following a severe storm that resulted in nearly a foot of rainfall. The disaster has claimed at least 43 lives, including 21 children from Camp Mystic. Over 850 rescues have been reported, while infrastructure damage is widespread. Local and state officials mobilize resources for ongoing rescue efforts, with calls for public donations and support for affected families. The community rallies to recover while assessing emergency preparedness for future events.
Kerr County, Texas experienced catastrophic flooding early on July 4, 2025, due to a severe storm that resulted in nearly a foot of rainfall. The devastating impact of the storm has been measured by the tragic loss of at least 43 confirmed lives, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. Among the deceased are 21 children, including a group of 27 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp, who remain unaccounted for.
Rescue operations have been extensive, with over 850 individuals successfully rescued from the floodwaters. Highway 39 along the Guadalupe River saw catastrophic flooding, with water levels rising as much as 20 feet in just one hour. The storm brought with it levels of rainfall estimated between 10 to 12 inches within a few hours, leading to over 100 billion gallons of water inundating the area.
Infrastructure damage has been severe, as homes and vehicles were washed away, amplifying the urgency of the response efforts. The Texas National Guard has been mobilized to assist local and state personnel, including members from the Department of Public Safety and the Coast Guard, in search and rescue operations. Teams are utilizing helicopters, boats, and drones to search for missing individuals and provide help to those stranded.
Kerr County officials have cautioned the public against self-deploying to the affected areas, as this can complicate ongoing rescue efforts and potentially endanger more lives. In response to the disaster, Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in Kerr County, underscoring the importance of public prayer for the victims and those still missing.
In the wake of this tragedy, multiple organizations and churches have launched donation drives to aid recovery efforts. Among those leading initiatives are Cross Kingdom Church and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, along with various nonprofits such as Texas Search and Rescue and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, all driving focused efforts to provide resources for recovery.
Local businesses are also stepping up to support the community; Folklores Coffee House and the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce are actively collecting donations to assist flood victims. In light of the disaster, shelters and reunification centers have been established for families affected by the flooding, providing a safe haven as recovery efforts progress.
As the search for the missing continues, the community is conducting ongoing reviews of emergency preparedness and warning systems to identify areas for improvement. Individuals who have suffered injuries or are missing pets have been encouraged to report to various rescue organizations for assistance. Additionally, Kerrville ISD has stepped in to provide counseling services for students and staff affected by the tragedy, including those grieving the loss of Tivy High School soccer coach Reece Zunker and his spouse.
The death toll and significant damage from this catastrophic flooding highlight the urgent need for comprehensive disaster response strategies, reinforcing the community’s resilience in the face of such a devastating event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kerrville Community Unites to Aid Flood Victims
Devastating Flash Flooding Claims Lives in Texas Hill Country
Catastrophic Flooding Claims Lives in Central Texas
Shakira’s Concert Provides Relief After Texas Floods
Devastating Flooding in Texas Claims Over 80 Lives
Candlelight Vigil in San Antonio for Flood Victims
Central Texas Flooding Claims Lives and Causes Destruction
Catastrophic Flash Flooding in Central Texas Claims Lives
Central Texas Grapples with Devastating Flash Floods
San Antonio Investigates Death of Man Found in Street
Additional Resources
- FOX Weather
- Wikipedia: Great Flood of 2025
- New York Times
- Google Search: Kerr County Texas Flood 2025
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Kerr County Flood 2025
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Flood
- Express News
- Google News: Kerr County Flood 2025
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.
