Catastrophic Flooding Devastates Texas Hill Country, Leaving Fatalities and Missing Children
The Texas Hill Country is grappling with the aftermath of “catastrophic” flooding along the Guadalupe River, which struck overnight on July 4, 2025, claiming at least six lives and leaving an undetermined number of people, including children from area camps, missing. Heavy rains have inundated the region, prompting widespread evacuations and an urgent, large-scale emergency response.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed at least six fatalities, though he later declined to provide specific numbers, describing the event as a “very devastating and deadly flood.” The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed fatalities, stating that further information would be withheld until next of kin are notified. Dozens of water rescues have been carried out, with helicopters actively involved in rescuing individuals trapped in trees.
Among the most concerning reports comes from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas. Camp directors Britt and Catie Eastland issued an urgent plea for air assistance, reporting that some children are unaccounted for and that cabins appear to have been flooded and potentially washed away. Roads leading to the camp have also been washed out, complicating rescue efforts. Camp Mystic, known for its wholesome Christian atmosphere and focus on personal development, typically hosts around 400 campers and 100 staff members during its summer sessions, according to Camp America.
The deluge has caused the Guadalupe River near Hunt to reach its second-highest level on record. Upward of 10 inches of rain has fallen across portions of South-Central Kerr County, with an additional 2 to 5 inches possible before the rain subsides later in the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for South-Central Kerr County, warning that very heavy rain would continue through at least noon Friday, followed by light to moderate rainfall for several more hours.
Governor Greg Abbott addressed the crisis, stating that the state is “surging all available resources to respond,” including water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. “The immediate priority is saving lives,” Abbott emphasized. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick urged Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of local officials.
The devastation extends beyond Camp Mystic. An RV park near Howdy’s Restaurant in Kerrville was completely swept away, with the restaurant itself sustaining significant damage after water reportedly rose 40 feet. Lorena Guillen, the owner of Howdy’s, recounted how the flash flood arrived suddenly around 3:30 a.m., leaving little time for campers to evacuate. Significant flooding has also been reported in northern and western Kendall County, including Comfort, where Comfort High School has been set up as a shelter for displaced residents. The Boerne Fire Department has deployed rescue teams to assist in the Comfort area, and major roadways like Highway 27 at Cypress Creek in Comfort and FM 1350 east of Center Point remain closed by TxDOT until water recedes.
Kerr County Judge Kelly expressed frustration at suggestions that precautions could have prevented the loss of life, stating, “Rest assured, no one knew this flood was coming.” He described the Guadalupe River valley as “the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” noting that while floods are regular occurrences, this event was unprecedented. The county, he confirmed, does not have a warning system for such events.
Reunification centers have been established at Ingram Elementary School at 125 Brave Run West in Ingram and at the Arcadia Live, a historic theater on Water Street in Kerrville. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office also designated the Walmart at 2106 Junction Highway as a reunification point. Officials are encouraging the public to donate to the American Red Cross, specifying that funds be directed to victims of the Guadalupe River flood.
As emergency crews continue their search and rescue operations, the full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear, making this a developing and deeply tragic situation for the Texas Hill Country. The Austin American-Statesman contributed to this report, which can be found on Statesman.com.
