News Summary
A severe flooding event in Texas Hill Country has claimed at least 24 lives and left over 20 campers missing. Heavy rainfall, with nearly 10 inches falling overnight, led to the Guadalupe River overflowing and caused urgent rescue operations. Emergency responders, facing several challenges, have conducted over 237 rescues, including 167 by helicopter, as residents are urged to evacuate due to rising water levels. Local officials warn of significant damage to infrastructure and emphasize the need for safety during this crisis.
Kerrville, Texas – Catastrophic Flooding Claims Lives and Traps Missing Campers
A severe flooding event in Texas Hill Country has resulted in at least 24 confirmed deaths and left over 20 campers missing following heavy rain that began earlier this week. Emergency responders are engaged in urgent rescue operations, with more than 237 rescues conducted, including 167 by helicopter, as rising waters trapped individuals across the region.
As of Friday night, the flooding, which has devastated Central Kerr County, was ignited by nearly 10 inches of rain falling overnight. This deluge overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to overflow its banks and initiate widespread flash flooding across local communities. Areas such as Kerrville, Comfort, Hunt, and Spring Branch have been particularly affected, with floodwaters posing significant threats to both infrastructure and residential neighborhoods.
Kerr County officials, including Sheriff Larry Leitha and Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, held a press conference to provide updates regarding the ongoing crisis. They urged residents living near the Guadalupe River to evacuate to higher ground as river levels near Spring Branch are expected to rise to dangerously high levels. The river gauge recorded a rapid rise to 29.5 feet before malfunctioning, indicating severe flooding conditions.
Emergency Response and Safety Warnings
The National Weather Service has warned recreational users of the Guadalupe River to evacuate due to dangerous conditions presented by turbulent, fast-moving waters. Emergency services have reported challenges in their operations, including downed power lines and disrupted cellphone communications, complicating rescue efforts.
Plans are in place for ongoing emergency operations, supported by major responders including the Texas National Guard, tasked with assisting the ongoing search and rescue missions. Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed an emergency disaster declaration for several counties impacted by the flooding.
The missing campers from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, have become a focal point of concern. Parents have mobilized, making efforts to locate their children by sharing photos and searching reunification centers established throughout the surrounding area, including Ingram Elementary School and Arcadia Live Center.
Devastating Impact on Local Communities
In the wake of the flooding, the region’s infrastructure has sustained significant damage. Flooding has affected multiple state parks, such as the Guadalupe River State Park, which has reported damage to picnic areas and essential equipment. Local officials noted an absence of a specific warning system, and the intensity of the flooding has taken many by surprise.
Historical context reveals that the severity of this flooding has drawn parallels to a catastrophic event in July 1987, which resulted in numerous fatalities along the same river. As communities brace for continued rain through the Fourth of July weekend, they remain on high alert for additional flooding impacts.
Conclusion
The current flooding crisis in Texas Hill Country emphasizes the urgent need for safety preparedness and effective communication during extreme weather events. Residents are advised to stay informed, heed warnings from local authorities, evacuate flooded areas, and avoid any attempt to cross flooded roads, as even six inches of fast-moving water can pose significant dangers.
As rescue operations unfold, support services are being mobilized, including the activation of a mobile relief unit by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, which aims to assist affected families with essential supplies and resources.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Guadalupe River
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Search: Texas Hill Country flood
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Texas Floods
- The Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas flooding
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google News: Texas Flooding 2025
