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Kerr County, Texas – On the 4th of July 2025 – Catastrophic flash flooding swept through the Texas Hill Country early Friday morning, leaving at least 24 people dead and over 20 girls missing from a Christian summer camp near the Guadalupe River, according to state officials.
🚨 Rapid Flooding and Emergency Response
The flooding, triggered by intense overnight rainfall—up to 12 inches per hour—caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes, cresting at 39 feet, far above its normal level of 3 feet.
- 237 people rescued, including 167 by helicopter
- 500+ responders, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones deployed
- Disaster declarations issued for multiple counties
Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing 24/7, with the Texas National Guard and state troopers assisting. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as efforts continue.
🏕️ Camp Mystic and Missing Persons
Among the missing are 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp located in Hunt, Texas. The camp was completely destroyed, and many campers were stranded without communication.
- Some campers were rescued by helicopter
- Families gathered at a reunification center in Kerrville, awaiting updates
- Tanya Powell reported her daughter and three college friends missing since 4 a.m.
🌧️ Weather Conditions and Forecast
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hazardous weather warning, citing a moist tropical airmass and a slow-moving storm system as the cause. Additional rainfall of 1 to 5 inches is expected, raising concerns of further flooding.
🏛️ Local Impact and Infrastructure Damage
Judge Rob Kelly of Kerr County described the event as a “devastating and deadly flood”, with monumental damage to public infrastructure and private property.
- No emergency alert system was in place
- Roads, bridges, and utilities remain compromised
- Power and internet outages persist in affected areas
Authorities continue to prioritize locating unaccounted individuals, particularly children, and assessing long-term recovery needs.
For ongoing updates, see Mathrubhumi’s coverage and CNBC’s report.
