At least 24 people have died and up to 25 children remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through parts of Texas on Independence Day. Torrential rains triggered rapid water level rises in the Guadalupe River, causing unprecedented destruction across Kerr County and surrounding regions.
The floods hit swiftly, with the Guadalupe River rising an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes, according to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. “It was a destructive flood, taking property and sadly lives,” he said. Authorities believe more fatalities may yet be confirmed.
A girls’ summer camp at Camp Mystic was among the hardest-hit areas. Over 20 campers remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams, including 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and nearly 500 personnel, have been deployed for ongoing search and rescue missions. Despite telecommunications being down, Lieutenant Governor Patrick reassured parents that if they had not been contacted, their child was likely safe but unable to communicate.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that a federal disaster response is under way, with President Donald Trump calling the tragedy “shocking” and “terrible.” The National Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife wardens, and local emergency responders are assisting with evacuations and rescues. As of Friday evening, 237 people had been rescued from floodwaters.
The flooding has prompted disaster declarations in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions. Kerr County Sheriff’s Office confirmed several deaths and ongoing rescues, while residents near rivers and streams have been urged to move to higher ground.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said there was no prior warning of the scale of the flood, adding that the area lacks an early flood alert system. He compared the devastation to a 1987 tragedy that killed 10 teenagers in a church camp bus.
Photos from the region show roads turned into rivers, bridges submerged, and homes swept away. Social media pages like Kerrville Breaking News are now filled with desperate pleas from families searching for loved ones.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, three people died after trees fell on their vehicles during Thursday night’s storm.
Officials in both states continue to urge residents to remain vigilant as more flash floods are possible.
