Catastrophic flooding in Texas claims at least 51 lives, with 27 girls unaccounted for as emergency responders comb through the submerged terrain
In the wake of the devastating flash floods that hit central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, the state is grappling with a tragic aftermath. As of now, **41 people are still missing**, with the number potentially increasing as the situation unfolds[2]. The hardest-hit area, Kerr County, has seen **at least 82 deaths**, including **28 children**, underscoring the severity of the disaster[1].
The floodwaters that struck suddenly and violently, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes, have left a trail of destruction in their wake. Among the affected areas is Camp Mystic, a summer camp where **10 girls and one counselor are still missing**[4].
Rescue teams are tirelessly scouring the affected areas, including the swollen Guadalupe River and nearby campsites, in an effort to locate the missing. However, the fast-moving floodwaters caught many off-guard during the early morning hours, complicating rescue efforts[1][3].
Despite severe weather warnings issued by AccuWeather and the National Weather Service about potential flash flooding hours before the disaster, many were caught unawares[1]. The Hill Country, known for being one of the most flash-flood-prone areas of the U.S. due to its terrain and many water crossings, was once again a victim of the unpredictable forces of nature.
Authorities continue to prioritize locating survivors and recovering those still unaccounted for amid challenging conditions. Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a day of prayer for the state and vowed that authorities will work around the clock to find survivors[2]. U.S. Coast Guard helicopters are assisting in the rescue efforts, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has pledged that the Trump administration will use all available resources[3].
A reunification center took in hundreds of evacuees but is now mostly quiet as many have been reunited with their families or placed in temporary shelters. The exact number of people missing beyond the children from Camp Mystic has not yet been disclosed.
As the search for survivors continues, the Texas community stands united in hope and resilience, determined to overcome this tragic event.
The ongoing search efforts are stretched across the Guadalupe River, campsites, and affected areas due to the sudden and violent weather that rose the river by 26 feet in 45 minutes. In spite of the severe weather warnings, many residents were caught unawares, dealing a significant blow to the rescue operations.
