Kerr County: At least 24 people have died and more than 20 children remain unaccounted for after violent flash floods ripped through Central Texas early Friday, inundating the Hill Country with a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours. The Guadalupe River, which winds through Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt, surged by more than 20 feet in under two hours, overtaking riverbanks and sweeping away vehicles, homes, and camps.
Among the most urgent concerns is Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt. With 750 children on-site this week, officials say that 23–25 campers are still unaccounted for, despite ongoing rescue efforts. Families have gathered in Ingram, TX, and surrounding towns, anxiously awaiting updates from reunification centers.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for 14 counties, including Kerr, Bandera, and Gillespie, while President Donald Trump pledged federal support, calling the devastation “terrible and shocking.” Authorities stress that while many of the missing are presumed to have moved to higher ground, search teams are treating each case with urgency and care.
At least 24 people are confirmed dead after sudden flash floods swept through Kerr County, Texas.
Over 20 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for along the Guadalupe River.
Search-and-rescue efforts continue with helicopters, drones, and ground teams working nonstop.
What Caused the Texas Flash Flooding?
The flooding was triggered by intense, overnight thunderstorms that dropped more than 6.5 inches of rain in Hunt, TX within a three-hour window — a rare one-in-100-years weather event. According to City Manager Dalton Rice, the water levels in the two forks of the Guadalupe River swelled dramatically and then converged near Kerrville, sending a massive flood surge downstream.
Emergency alarms — typically installed further south near Comfort — failed to warn some residents in time. Officials admitted the National Weather Service forecasts did not predict the speed or severity of the deluge. By the time a flash flood emergency was declared around 4:03 a.m. Friday, it was already too late for many to evacuate.
Also Read: What Happened at Camp Mystic? Missing Girls, Flash Floods, and Texas Camp Disaster Updates
Who Are the Missing? Families Await Word
The emotional heart of this tragedy lies with the families of the Camp Mystic campers still missing. Social media platforms have been flooded with parents posting photos of their children in hopes of any leads. Camp Mystic emailed families that if they haven’t been contacted directly, their child is likely safe — but for those who haven’t heard anything, the wait is agonizing.
Officials from the Texas Division of Emergency Management confirmed that most other summer camps along the Guadalupe had successfully accounted for their attendees. Camp Mystic, however, was the lone outlier. More than 237 people have been rescued across Kerr County, many airlifted by helicopter from trees, rooftops, and submerged vehicles.
What’s Happening at the Scene Today?
Rescue crews — including 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and over 500 personnel — are continuing round-the-clock search operations. Many teams are navigating treacherous terrain and working with infrared night-vision gear to locate potential survivors. Recovery efforts are also underway for vehicles and homes swept miles downstream.
Images from Riverside RV Park in Ingram, Heart O’ the Hills Camp, and streets near downtown Kerrville show families combing through debris, overturned trucks, and water-damaged belongings. Grief is compounded by the loss of Jane Ragsdale, director of Heart O’ the Hills, who was confirmed among the deceased.
Could This Have Been Prevented?
Despite flash flood watches issued Thursday, officials acknowledge that no one expected this magnitude of rainfall. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stated: “We have floods all the time… We had no reason to believe this would be anything like what’s happened here.”
Emergency responders are reviewing protocols for future warnings and improving flood gauge infrastructure along vulnerable riverbanks. Some residents, like Candice Taylor, were forced to drive over live power lines to escape rising waters. Others, like Zerick Baldwin, narrowly avoided camping in the flood zone the night before: “If I would’ve stayed… I wouldn’t have even known what hit.”
What Comes Next?
As of Saturday morning, the Guadalupe River has crested in Kerrville and Comfort, though downstream areas near Spring Branch are still at risk. With many families still separated, officials are setting up evacuation shelters, medical aid stations, and tracking services to help confirm those rescued or evacuated.
President Trump reaffirmed federal cooperation, and Gov. Abbott’s office promised unlimited support. But for those in Kerr County, the tragedy is far from over — especially for the families of the missing girls.
“We are focused on those who cannot help themselves,” said Nim Kidd. “And we will not stop until every person is found.”