Kerrville: Central Texas is reeling after historic flash floods tore through the Hill Country before dawn on Friday, killing at least 43 people — including 15 children — and leaving 27 young girls missing from a beloved summer camp. The flooding, which caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes, marks one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Texas memory.
Much of the destruction is centered around Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian girls’ camp nestled in the hills of Kerr County. The facility was inundated during the night as campers slept. Rescue efforts intensified over the weekend with helicopters and boats scouring debris-choked areas in Hunt, Ingram, and other small towns west of San Antonio.
Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a statewide day of prayer, calling for solidarity as hundreds remain displaced and dozens still unaccounted for. He also promised nonstop efforts from authorities and confirmed that additional areas were being searched as the floodwaters began to retreat.
Today I visited Camp Mystic.
It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster.
The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking.
We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 6, 2025
Devastating flash floods swept through Kerr County, Texas, killing at least 43 people, including 15 children.
27 girls remain missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
Rescuers continue search operations using helicopters, boats, and drones amid ongoing rain and flash flood warnings.
Also Read: Texas Floods Update: Search for Camp Mystic Campers Ongoing
Camp Mystic Flooding: What Happened and Why It Was So Sudden
Camp Mystic, known for its scenic riverfront and spiritual programming, turned into a nightmare when the flash flood hit before dawn. Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester, a survivor, said water surged rapidly into the cabins: “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”
AccuWeather reported that advance warnings were issued, but many camps and communities may not have had enough time — or infrastructure — to act. The Guadalupe River, known for its sudden surges, is in a region often dubbed “Flash Flood Alley” due to its rocky soil and steep slopes that funnel water at terrifying speeds.
Good morning. Please keep Texas in your prayers—especially the flood victims, the missing, their families, and the first responders searching for them.
Tragedy in Texas: Flash floods along the Guadalupe River have taken 13 lives. 23 young Christian girls from Camp Mystic are… pic.twitter.com/nH5QJz9Mc6
— ꜱǫʏʟᴀʀᴋ (@Kralyqs) July 5, 2025
At least eight more people died in neighboring counties as relentless rain battered parts of South-Central Texas. As of Sunday morning, more than 850 people had been rescued, and several reunification centers remained operational.
Missing Campers and Local Response Under Scrutiny
Officials confirmed that the 27 girls still missing were all attending Camp Mystic, where authorities have recovered most of the deceased. The camp’s director, along with an 8-year-old girl from Alabama, were among the fatalities.
The local community is asking hard questions. Did the camps receive adequate warning? Were proper evacuation procedures followed? Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice admitted, “We don’t even want to begin to estimate at this time.”
Neighboring youth camps like Mo-Ranch and Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista took precautionary steps to relocate attendees to higher ground — a decision some now view as life-saving.
Voices from the Ground: Survival Stories and Heartbreak
Across Kerr and Ingram, survivors recounted harrowing escapes. Erin Burgess described clinging to a tree with her son as floodwaters swept away her boyfriend and dog. “He was lost for a while, but we found them,” she said.
In a three-story home nearby, Barry Adelman huddled in the attic with his 94-year-old grandmother and 9-year-old grandson. “I had to look at my grandson and tell him it would be OK,” he said, “but inside, I was scared to death.”
Rescue and Recovery: What’s Next for Flood-Ravaged Texas?
With flash flood warnings still active and rain forecast to continue, officials warn the danger isn’t over. The Texas Division of Emergency Management said hundreds of rescue personnel remain deployed across Kerr County and beyond. Coast Guard aircraft and drones are scanning floodplains and debris fields.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged federal support.
But for many, recovery will be long and painful. “We still have people coming here looking for their loved ones. We’ve had a little success, but not much,” said Ingram Independent School District superintendent Bobby Templeton.
Why the Texas Hill Country Is So Prone to Catastrophic Flooding
The Texas Hill Country has long been vulnerable to flash flooding due to its unique geology and rapid runoff. The rocky soil resists absorption, sending rainwater rushing downhill into creeks and rivers. Experts say the terrain combined with a changing climate is creating more frequent and severe flood events.
Local officials had previously considered a flood warning siren system, but the plan never moved forward due to funding constraints. “Nobody saw this coming,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly.
