Urgently seeking 27 girls who went missing following a fatal flash flood in Texas - Urgently seeking 27 missing individuals, presumed to be girls, following lethal flooding incident in Texas.
In the heart of Texas Hill Country, along the Guadalupe River, a devastating flash flood hit the area on Friday, July 4, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and loss. The incident, which took place at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Kerr County, has claimed at least 27 lives, including 9 children, with around 23 to 25 girls still missing as of Saturday morning[1][2].
The rescue operations, involving over 400 personnel, are in full swing. Nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones have been deployed to locate survivors and recover the deceased[1]. As of late Friday night, at least 237 individuals had been rescued or evacuated, with many survivors found clinging to trees after being swept away by the rapidly rising waters[1].
The search for the missing girls from Camp Mystic continues, with both air and ground operations ongoing in the affected area[1][2]. The most severe impact was felt near the Guadalupe River, where the camp is located. The floodwaters, which rose before dawn, washed out homes, swept away vehicles, and caused widespread destruction, making rescue efforts challenging[1].
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, along with local authorities, is coordinating the response, while U.S. President Donald Trump described the floods as "terrible" and "shocking"[1]. The disaster area is a popular destination with several campsites, adding to the complexity of the rescue efforts.
Residents near the river have been urged to seek higher ground and act quickly to protect their lives by the National Weather Service (NWS). They have also been warned not to enter the disaster area due to difficult conditions with debris making the terrain hard to navigate[1].
The heavy rainfall that triggered the floods in Texas was up to 300 liters per square meter, a third of the average annual rainfall in Kerr County. Scientists attribute the increased frequency and intensity of weather events like floods, droughts, and heatwaves to human-induced climate change[1].
Despite the challenges, the search will continue until every person is found, assured Sheriff Leitha. President Donald Trump has announced federal aid for the affected area, and Dalton Rice from the city of Kerr urged residents not to search for the missing on their own[1].
Unfortunately, new flash floods have already been reported, and the NWS has warned of further extreme heavy rain and "locally catastrophic" flash floods[1]. The community, rescue workers, and authorities continue their efforts, hoping for a positive outcome in this unfathomable tragedy.
[1] - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-flood-2025-camp-mystic-flash-flood-kerrville/ [2] - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61594301
- The science community is closely watching the events in Texas, as they attribute the increased frequency and intensity of weather events, such as the deadly flash flood at Camp Mystic, to human-induced climate change.
- Environmental-science experts are alarmed by the rising number of disasters like the Texas flood, emphasizing the urgency for communities and authorities to promote responsible practices to mitigate the impact of future weather events.
- Despite the ongoing emergency in Texas, criminal and justice activities have reportedly remained relatively calm, with local authorities citing the extraordinary circumstances of the devastating flood as a major factor.
