central Texas floods lead to a rise in death count
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, the small town of Kerrville, Texas, was left reeling from the aftermath of a catastrophic flash flood that swept through Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River. The floodwaters, which surged suddenly and violently, caused significant loss of life and extensive damage to the camp.
The floodwaters tore open buildings, scattered debris, and devastated the once-pristine grounds of the camp. The camp was submerged by the rapidly rising river waters, engulfing cabins and forcing desperate evacuation efforts, including campers being rescued from roofs.
As of July 6-7, 2025, at least 11 campers and one camp counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing. The overall death toll in Kerr County, where Camp Mystic is located, stands at 68 people, including 28 children. At Camp Mystic specifically, more than a dozen deaths have been confirmed, including longtime owner and director Richard "Dick" Eastland, who died while helping save campers.
The broader Texas Hill Country flood has led to at least 82 deaths and dozens still missing in the region. Families of the missing campers are holding out hope amid the grim circumstances, with onlookers reviewing the damage along the Guadalupe River caused by the recent flooding.
Camp Mystic is a large all-girls Christian summer camp with about 750 campers present at the time of the flood. The flood is described as “catastrophic” and “historic,” with the river surpassing its second-highest recorded level. Rescue and search efforts are ongoing, with rescuers navigating through challenging terrain, high waters, and snakes, including water moccasins, in the area.
The Associated Press reported on this incident on Sunday, July 6, 2025, with the article written by Jim Vertuno and John Seewer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those affected by this tragic event.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic flash flood at Camp Mystic, general news outlets are reporting increased coverage on the incident, including car accidents and fires caused by the chaos. The weather in the region remains unpredictable, adding to the challenges faced by rescuers as they continue their search efforts.
