Ongoing flooding in Texas persists, with rescue efforts ongoing for missing individuals. The fatalities surpass 80.
In a tragic turn of events, the recent floods that hit central Texas from July 4 to 6, 2025, have left a devastating impact, with at least 82 people confirmed dead and over 40 still missing. The Guadalupe River and surrounding areas have been the epicentre of this disaster, particularly in Kerr County where 68 deaths have been reported by July 5, with many more still unaccounted for.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this disaster is the impact on summer camps, notably in the Hunt area of Kerr County. Over 20 children are among the missing, with 27 young girls from a Christian summer camp yet to be found. The suddenness and severity of the floodwaters have led to tragic disappearances, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Multiple flash flood emergency warnings were issued starting July 4, including six warnings for cities like Kerrville and Mason. However, the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, which rose by an estimated 29 feet in a very short time, outpaced preparedness and emergency responses. This has led to scrutiny and questions about whether more timely warnings or evacuations could have saved lives, as many residents reported being caught unaware by the fast-moving floodwaters during the night.
The disaster has not been limited to Kerr County. Other counties such as Travis, Williamson, and Burnet have also suffered from flash floods, with at least 11 deaths reported in the Austin area and ongoing search efforts for missing persons. Flood warnings remain in effect for rivers like the San Gabriel in Georgetown, with numerous road closures across the region.
This flooding event is considered among the deadliest in the United States since 1925. The region has experienced previous floods, but the scale and rapidity of this event were unprecedented, largely triggered by a combination of remnants of Tropical Storm Barry and Pacific moisture causing stalled thunderstorms over Central Texas.
In the Hill Country area, over 68 bodies have been found, including 28 children. The search and rescue efforts continue amid ongoing emergency response challenges. Pope Leo XIV has expressed condolences for the victims of the flood, specifically mentioning families who lost loved ones and girls at Camp Mystic.
In the aftermath, the city manager of Kerrville, Dalton Rice, has announced a full review of the emergency response. Survivors have shared accounts of being swept away and clinging to trees during the flood. President Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County and plans to visit on Friday.
Residents are currently cleaning up mud and salvaging their demolished properties. One heroic story emerged from Reagan Brown, who rescued a 92-year-old neighbor from her attic during the flood. He also commented that federal meteorologists did not predict the flood due to its sudden and unexpected nature.
Two school-aged sisters from Dallas are missing after being swept away by the flood. Rescuers are continuing their search for the missing persons, including the 10 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic. As the search continues, the authorities remain hopeful and are urging the public to stay vigilant and follow emergency instructions.
New rounds of heavy rain are expected until Tuesday, increasing the risk of dangerous flooding. The latest updates on the flood disaster in central Texas reveal a grim reality, with authorities continuing search and rescue efforts while assessing the adequacy of warning systems. Flood warnings remain active in several affected counties.
- The news of the tragedy in central Texas continues to unfold, with reports of missing individuals, such as 27 young girls from a Christian summer camp, in the crime-and-justice sector highlighting the urgent need for the ongoing search and rescue operations.
- Amidst the general-news coverage of the devastating floods in Texas, the political sphere is abuzz with questions about the adequacy of warning systems and emergency responses, with survivors expressing concerns that they were caught unawares by the sudden floodwaters, leading to scrutiny and calls for further investigation.
