News Summary
A severe flooding incident along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, has resulted in at least 24 confirmed fatalities and approximately 25 campers reported missing. The flooding began early in the morning with extreme rainfall leading to record water levels. Search and rescue operations have been underway, with the Texas National Guard assisting efforts. Residents are urged to shelter in place as conditions worsen and additional rainfall is expected. Authorities continue to manage the situation as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Kerr County, Texas – A devastating flooding incident along the Guadalupe River has resulted in the recovery of at least 24 bodies following severe weather on July 4. The river experienced a dramatic rise, reaching as high as 26 feet in less than two hours during the early morning hours, leaving a significant search operation underway for approximately 25 campers reported missing from the nearby Camp Mystic, a Christian girls camp situated at the river’s edge.
The flooding event commenced around 4:00 a.m. when extreme rainfall hit the region, with rates peaking at 12 inches per hour. A particularly dangerous flood warning was issued at 2:03 a.m., alerting residents to life-threatening conditions. It was noted that the Guadalupe River, located near Hunt, Texas, surpassed its second-highest historical level of over 29 feet, exceeding water levels recorded during a major flood in 1987. In a span of just three hours, there was a massive increase of 40 feet in water levels.
The Texas National Guard has been actively involved in rescue operations, successfully evacuating or rescuing 237 individuals, including 167 rescues by helicopter. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice reported light rain conditions at 3:30 a.m., but the situation escalated to severe flooding shortly thereafter, catching many residents by surprise.
Authorities faced challenges during the search and rescue operations, as some locals and sightseers attempted to self-deploy to assist, hindering official efforts. As a result, residents were urged to refrain from non-essential travel in the area. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed several fatalities but has withheld additional details pending notification of next of kin. Sheriff Larry Leitha advised the public against self-deployment to aid in rescue missions.
The ongoing search efforts will continue around the clock until all missing persons are accounted for, as stated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The White House has reached out to local officials, with the federal government poised to provide assistance as needed.
Residents in the region have been encouraged to shelter in place and move to higher ground if they are located near creeks, streams, or the Guadalupe River. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in Comfort, Texas, for areas along the river as conditions worsened. Kerrville police have established a reunification center at a local Walmart and are providing shelter at a nearby church for displaced residents.
As of mid-morning, between 5 and 11 inches of rain had fallen in the area, with expectations of additional rainfall ranging from 1 to 3 inches throughout the day. Forecasters from the National Weather Service have described the flooding event as life-threatening and emphasized the necessity for residents to seek elevated areas to avoid potential danger.
Flood watches for Kerr County and surrounding zones had been issued on July 3 based on forecasts; however, the intensity and impact of the rainfall were surprising, leading to unprecedented flooding levels. As the search for missing campers continues amidst these challenging conditions, the affected community is urged to remain vigilant and heed safety advisories from local officials.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Guadalupe River Flooding
- KXAN
- Google Search: Kerr County Flooding 2025
- KSAT News
- Google Scholar: Texas Flood Impact
- Fox 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Flooding
- Fox 4 News
- Google News: Kerr County Flood 2025
