At least 24 people have died in sudden flash floods that struck Texas Hill Country early Friday, with dozens more still missing, including nearly two dozen girls from a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. The devastating floods followed intense overnight rainfall that overwhelmed riverbanks and swept away vehicles, homes, and entire campgrounds.
According to local officials, the water rose as fast as 26 feet within an hour. The National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency, warning that the event had escalated faster than previous forecasts suggested. Many residents and vacationers had little or no warning before the torrents arrived.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that recovery and search teams are working around the clock. “We’re still hoping for miracles,” he told reporters. “But the damage is widespread, and some areas are still inaccessible.” The community has been left in shock as families wait for updates on missing loved ones.
Camp Mystic Girls Among the Missing
One of the hardest-hit locations is Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian girls’ summer camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Authorities say that around 23 campers are still unaccounted for, though many may simply be out of communication due to power and network outages.
The camp, which typically hosts around 750 girls during summer sessions, was caught by surprise as floodwaters surged into the valley. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with camp counselors and staff rushing to move children to higher ground. Some managed to escape using canoes and rafts, while others clung to trees and rooftops.
Emergency personnel, aided by helicopters, boats, and drones, are continuing search operations across riversides and into wooded areas. “We’ve got eyes in the sky and boots on the ground,” said Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. “We’re doing everything we can to bring every child home safely.”
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State Declares Emergency as Rescue Expands
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster across 15 counties, mobilizing over 1,000 emergency responders and more than 800 vehicles to the flood zone. The Texas Department of Emergency Management has also deployed specialized urban search-and-rescue teams.
Red Cross shelters have been opened for displaced families, and first responders are going door to door in flooded communities to account for missing persons. Residents in surrounding areas are being urged to avoid travel and stay away from swollen rivers and creeks.
As search and rescue efforts continue into the weekend, meteorologists warn that more rainfall is expected, increasing the risk of additional flash floods. Meanwhile, environmental experts say this tragedy highlights the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns in the region.
The situation remains fluid. Families are praying for reunions, while authorities focus on locating the missing and preventing further loss of life. The tragedy has shaken the state—and the nation—as Texas confronts one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent memory.
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