A terrifying flash flood hit Texas' Hill Country in the early hours of July 4, dumping over 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. The rapid surge wiped out cabins, submerged roads and swept away entire communities along the Guadalupe River — including Camp Mystic, where dozens of girls are still unaccounted for. With 13 confirmed dead and emergency teams deploying helicopters, boats, drones and the National Guard, the hunt for survivors is urgent. Families are desperate, officials warn the public to stay clear, and the Hill Country is bracing for a recovery effort of epic proportions.
Rapid Flash Flood Shatters Hill Country
In a devastating display of nature’s power, Texas’ Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose more than 25 feet within 45 minutes overnight, peaking at nearly 35 feet — its second-highest level on record. The region was hit by an extraordinary 5–11 inches of rainfall during a short but intense storm system.
Sheriff Larry Leitha called the event a “catastrophic flooding event,” warning residents to seek higher ground and avoid travel. Kerrville and nearby Hunt, Ingram, and Comfort were instantly transformed — roads vanished underwater, homes submerged up to their roofs, and some vehicles were swept away while people clung desperately to trees.
Camp Mystic Devastated; Dozens Missing
Camp Mystic, a long-standing private Christian girls' camp on the banks of the river in Hunt, was among the hardest hit locations. Directors confirmed that cabins and roads were washed away, and power, water, and communications were completely disrupted.
As of Friday, the confirmed death toll stands at 13, with approximately 20 to 23 girls still missing from the 750 campers at Camp Mystic. . Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, serving as acting governor, emphasized rescuers won’t rest until every girl is located. “They could be in a tree, out of communication,” he urged.
Teams from Texas DPS, Texas A&M, the National Guard, drones, helicopters, and federal agencies are combing the alluvial landscape, but washed out highways and raging currents hamper the effort. . Reunification centers are open at Kerrville Walmart, but parents are asked to stay away from the flood zone to ensure safety and streamline operation.
Camp Mystic Devastated; Dozens Missing
Experts say Hill Country’s paradox — drought-dried soil and steep terrain — made the flooding immediate and extreme. With local warning systems lacking, many residents were caught off guard, despite broader flood alerts issued by the National Weather Service.
Mayor Joe Herring of Kerrville has declared a disaster, and Governor Greg Abbott says all necessary state resources are deployed. He urged the public to follow officials’ directives and avoid floodwaters. As federal bodies like FEMA and the Coast Guard join the search, officials pointed to a troubling pattern — this region has seen escalating flash floods over recent years.
Community Response and Early Recovery
Amid the chaos, heartwarming rescue stories have emerged. In Ingram, a woman and her son survived after clinging to a tree; her dog and partner were rescued separately. Meanwhile, nearby camps — Camp La Junta, Camp Waldemar, Rio Vista, and Sierra Vista — reported no missing campers, though infrastructure damage is widespread.
Early warnings and active social media pleas circulated as families sought information, with urgent calls coming through from grieving parents.
What Lies Ahead
With additional rainfall predicted, the National Weather Service warns more flash flood emergencies could cascade downstream. Officials are urging evacuees to remain cautious, and long-term rebuilding efforts are expected to follow hazardous rescues.
In the wake of this crisis, Lieutenant Gov. Patrick announced that President Trump has been briefed, and federal aid will be provided if requested.
In conclusion,
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where did the flash flood occur?
A: The catastrophic flash flood struck Kerr County, particularly around Hunt and Kerrville in Texas' Hill Country, as the Guadalupe River surged.
Q2: What is Camp Mystic?
A: Camp Mystic is a Christian girls’ summer camp established in 1926, located on the banks of the Guadalupe River near Hunt. It houses over 700 campers each summer.
Q3: How many people are missing or dead?
A: As of the latest reports, 13 fatalities are confirmed, and approximately 20–23 girls from Camp Mystic remain missing.
Q4: Why did the flooding happen so fast?
A: Between 5 and 11 inches of rain fell rapidly over dry, rocky terrain. The Guadalupe River rose over 25 feet within an hour, causing sudden flash floods.
Q5: What should locals do now?
A: Residents in affected areas should follow evacuation orders, avoid flood zones, monitor official updates, and prepare for potential follow-up flooding downstream.
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