At least 24 dead in Texas flash flooding, 23 Campers Reported Missing

Severe flash flooding triggered by torrential rainfall along the Guadalupe River in south-central Texas has resulted in at least 24 confirmed fatalities. Among those unaccounted for are approximately two dozen minors from an all-girls Christian summer camp. State and federal emergency operations continue amidst ongoing weather threats across the region.

On July 4, intense rainfall led to catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas, particularly impacting Kerr County. Local authorities report that at least 24 individuals have died, with rescue operations continuing for many still missing. Notably, between 23 and 25 young girls remain unaccounted for following flooding at Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp situated on the riverbank.

The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency after storms deposited nearly 12 inches (30 cm) of rain, transforming the Guadalupe River into a hazardous torrent. The flooding occurred in a narrow window—under two hours—leaving minimal opportunity for authorities to issue evacuation warnings.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking late Friday, emphasized that search-and-rescue operations would continue indefinitely, supported by “limitless” state resources. A federal response has also been initiated, with President Donald Trump stating that federal support would be extended to affected communities.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed the deployment of state emergency services, noting that 23 girls from Camp Mystic were missing as of Friday afternoon. Emergency crews had successfully evacuated over 237 individuals, including 167 by helicopter.

Casualties and Ongoing Risk:
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha updated the fatality count to 24 as of Friday evening, noting that one additional death in neighboring Kendall County remained under investigation regarding its connection to the flooding. While many campers were safely evacuated, the status of the missing children remained uncertain.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly described the situation as unprecedented, asserting that while the region is accustomed to periodic flooding, the scale and speed of this event were unforeseeable:

“We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what’s happened here—none whatsoever.”

Authorities reported widespread damage to residential neighborhoods, RV parks, and campgrounds. In response, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration to expedite aid to Kerr County and other severely affected areas.

Despite earlier warnings from state emergency management agencies regarding potential flash flooding over the July 4th holiday weekend, officials admitted that the actual rainfall exceeded forecasts. Director of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, W. Nim Kidd, acknowledged that meteorological models did not anticipate the volume of rainfall observed.

The Guadalupe River rose approximately 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes. With more precipitation predicted, officials warned of ongoing flash flood threats across a broad area extending from San Antonio to Waco over the subsequent 24–48 hours.

Personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA have been mobilized to assist in search, rescue, and recovery efforts.

The flooding event in Texas marks one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent state history. The combination of unexpectedly high rainfall, rapid river rise, and the vulnerability of riverside communities has produced a critical humanitarian and environmental emergency. State and federal agencies remain engaged in coordinated efforts to rescue those still missing and to mitigate the damage caused by this extreme weather event.