Texas Hill Country – July 5–6, 2025
A catastrophic flash flood swept through Kerr County, central Texas, on July 4–5, following an intense downpour that dumped up to 12 inches of rain over a few hours. The Guadalupe River surged dramatically—rising nearly 30 feet in under an hour—triggering flash flood emergencies and turning rivers into raging torrents.
Mounting Casualties and Ongoing Rescues
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More than 50 people have been confirmed dead so far, including at least 15 children.
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27 girls from the all-girls summer Camp Mystic are still missing, while five have been confirmed killed.
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The flood destroyed cabins, homes, vehicles, and camp facilities. In one horrific scene, an entire house—with a cat inside—was seen floating downriver and crashing into a bridge.
Massive Rescue and Relief Efforts
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Over 850 people rescued, including more than 160 airlifted by helicopters.
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More than 1,000 responders, including local, state, and federal teams, are involved in search and recovery operations.
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Temporary shelters have been established; volunteers and community groups are assisting evacuees and organizing support.
Human Stories of Prayer and Heroism
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Families and entire communities have rallied around missing children, holding candlelight vigils and prayer services.
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One harrowing rescue involved a 22-year-old who clung to tree branches for hours after being swept nearly three miles downstream.
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Several individuals, including a local fire chief, died during rescue attempts, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Emergency Response and Official Action
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Kerr County and surrounding areas declared disaster zones.
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Texas Governor and Homeland Security officials pledged state and federal aid; President Trump approved federal disaster relief.
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Authorities acknowledged that early flood warnings were limited, as the event was unprecedented in speed and scale.
What’s Next
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With more rain forecasted, residents are urged to remain cautious and avoid flood-prone roads.
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Rescue teams will continue searching for missing campers and other victims.
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Long-term recovery efforts are expected to include rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and reviewing camp and community emergency preparedness.
Conclusion
The July flash flood in central Texas has evolved into one of the most deadly natural disasters in recent state history. The tragedy at Camp Mystic has become emblematic of the community’s heartbreak, but also its resilience. As families and neighbors support each other, the focus now shifts to rescue operations and long-term reconstruction.