Hunt: At least 81 people are confirmed dead and 41 are still missing following flash floods across central Texas, with the majority of casualties centered around Kerr County and the popular girls’ Camp Mystic, which was engulfed by the Guadalupe River on Friday morning.
Authorities say the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes before dawn on July 4, catching campers and residents off guard and leaving minimal time to evacuate. 68 of the confirmed deaths were reported in Kerr County, including 28 children. Ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for.
“This is now one of the worst natural disasters to hit Texas Hill Country in recent memory,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, who confirmed that some victims were recovered up to eight miles downriver.
- At least 81 people dead in Texas floods; 28 children among the victims
- Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp, was swept away by rising Guadalupe River
- More storms expected; rescue efforts shift toward recovery as volunteers evacuate
- Federal emergency declared by President Trump; FEMA deployed
Camp Mystic Flooded Overnight: Dozens Swept Away
The tragedy struck in the early hours of Independence Day as torrential rain hit central Texas, swelling rivers and overwhelming low-lying areas. Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian girls’ summer camp, was one of the worst-hit sites.
Search crews said cabins were flooded, personal items scattered for miles, and several structures destroyed. Richard “Dick” Eastland, the camp’s longtime director, is among the deceased.
By Saturday afternoon, the Texas governor had toured the area, calling the event “nothing short of horrific.”
Also Read: Guadalupe River Flood Tragedy: Camp Mystic Girls Still Missing
Confirmed Casualties Across Texas Counties
While Kerr County bore the brunt of the disaster, flooding in Texas also impacted multiple surrounding counties:
- Travis County – 5 deaths
- Burnet County – 3 deaths
- Williamson County – 2 deaths
- Kendall County – 2 deaths
- Tom Green County – 1 death
More than 850 individuals have been rescued across affected regions, including many plucked from rooftops and trees. Officials continue to search flooded areas, though efforts are now shifting to recovery and identification.
FEMA Deployed After Federal Emergency Declared
On Sunday, President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration, activating federal support through FEMA and deploying U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and aircraft to aid in the ongoing operation.
The White House Faith Office asks you to join us in prayer for the precious lives lost in the Texas floods. Amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing.… pic.twitter.com/U2uWIJNaAf
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 7, 2025
Speaking from New Jersey, Trump called the event “absolutely horrible” and added that he would “probably visit Texas on Friday.” He also pushed back against criticisms about delayed weather alerts, calling it a “100-year catastrophe.”
Growing Scrutiny Over Flood Warnings and Forecasting Cuts
While the National Weather Service had issued a “moderate flood watch” ahead of Friday’s storm, many residents said the severity of the rainfall and flash flood risk was underreported.
Former NOAA officials have warned that staffing cuts under the Trump administration may have impacted the agency’s forecasting accuracy.
Congressman Joaquin Castro told CNN that flash flood forecasting requires precision: “If you don’t have the personnel to analyze and issue alerts in time, it can turn deadly.”
Local Heroes and Relief Efforts on the Ground
Amid the devastation, Texas residents have stepped up. In Kerrville, volunteers are delivering meals, donating clothes, and offering shelter to the displaced.
Alma Garcia, who drove from San Antonio, was seen handing out home-cooked meals and even removing her own shirt to give a dry layer to a drenched local.
Another resident, Perla, collected and dropped off clothes and shoes at a nearby shelter immediately after finishing a late-night shift.
Pope Leo XIV Offers Condolences from Rome
In an address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for victims of the Texas flooding, with a special mention of “daughters lost at summer camp.” The pontiff’s message was broadcast during mass, saying, “We pray for them and for those who grieve.”
What Happens Next?
As more rain is forecast in the next 48 hours, officials have urged volunteers and non-essential personnel to evacuate low-lying areas near the Guadalupe River. Soil remains saturated, and another wave of flooding is possible.
Texas authorities say the death toll is likely to rise, and identification of the deceased—particularly children—remains a top priority.
