News Summary
Severe flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country has caused at least 81 confirmed deaths and left over 41 individuals missing, primarily in Kerr County. The flooding followed torrential rains that raised river levels dangerously high. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, particularly with concerns for missing campers from Camp Mystic. Officials are facing scrutiny over flood forecasting, as the disaster is labeled a ‘hundred-year catastrophe’ amidst mobilized support for recovery efforts.
Kerrville, Texas – Severe flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country has resulted in at least 81 confirmed deaths and over 41 individuals reported missing, primarily in Kerr County, which has been the hardest hit area. The flooding occurred after torrential rain surged down the Guadalupe River, causing waters to swell to heights comparable to a two-story building in certain regions.
Among the deceased, Kerr County has recorded 68 fatalities, which include 40 adults and 28 children. Tragically, a major concern remains for Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the flooded river, where approximately 750 campers were attending at the time the floods emerged. At least 10 children from the camp and one counselor are still unaccounted for. Search-and-rescue operations have thus far recovered the body of an 8-year-old camper that was missing.
In response to the devastation, Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited Camp Mystic to assess the damage and pledge resources toward locating all missing individuals. Additionally, President Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, which will unlock federal resources and support for recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had initially issued several flood watches and warnings in advance of the severe weather. However, officials have faced criticism regarding the accuracy and effectiveness of the forecasting. Rainfall amounts in some areas far exceeded earlier predictions, with reports indicating that 6 to 10 inches fell within a matter of hours, leading to rapid and uncontrolled flash flooding.
Compounding the situation, staffing cuts during the Trump administration have sparked debate over the NWS’s capacity to respond adequately. Although the administration has defended the agency’s actions, questions have arisen regarding preparedness and resource allocation which may have affected the ability to warn residents effectively.
In neighboring counties, the impact of the flooding has also been felt, with at least two confirmed deaths in Kendall County and others in Travis, Burnet, Tom Green, and Williamson counties. Emergency management teams are engaged in comprehensive search-and-rescue operations, utilizing helicopters, drones, and boats. More than 160 rescues have been conducted as personnel work tirelessly to locate those missing and assist those displaced by the floodwaters.
Families across the region are now united in their worry for their loved ones, with many gathering at local churches seeking solace and support during this difficult time. The situation remains dire, as additional rain is forecasted, raising concerns about potential further complications in ongoing rescue efforts. The flooding event has been characterized by officials as a “hundred-year catastrophe,” underscoring the exceptional severity of the disaster.
Concerns have also been raised in the public sphere, with support flooding in from various quarters. Public figures and celebrities, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, have expressed condolences for the affected families. Community organizations are mobilizing, with groups such as the Dallas Cowboys promising financial support for relief efforts aimed at helping those impacted rebuild their lives in the wake of this unprecedented disaster.
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Additional Resources
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Texas Hill Country
- BBC News
- Google Search: Texas flood 2025
- People
- Google Scholar: Texas floods
- Associated Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas flood 2025
- CBS News
- Google News: Texas 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.
