Rescue efforts underway with more rain expected, flood threat remains active
*Updated, July 5, 3:03 P.M.
What began as a quiet holiday turned tragic in the early morning hours of July 4 when a violent flash flood surged through the Texas Hill Country, killing at least 27 people and leaving more than two dozen still missing. The disaster centered around Camp Mystic, a well-known girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
The river rose more than 25 feet in just under an hour, fueled by relentless overnight thunderstorms. With little to no warning, cabins were overtaken and swept away. Emergency teams were not able to reach the site before the camp was fully submerged.
Parents rushed to the area as news broke, many unable to contact their children. Among those lost were at least nine young girls, ages 9 to 14. The emotional toll has been devastating, as families wait in local shelters and staging areas hoping for updates.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, said, “The camp was completely destroyed. A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”
In all, more than 850 people were rescued from the surrounding areas, many of them clinging to trees, vehicles, and rooftops. Rescue crews used boats, helicopters, and even drones to navigate the dangerous terrain.
Questions have begun to surface about the lack of a river alert system in the area. Residents and campers reported they received no flood warning in time to act. Some families were asleep when the water rushed through.
The small towns of Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville are now in mourning. Schools have opened as temporary shelters. Local officials have declared a disaster zone as recovery continues.
The Guadalupe River, once a symbol of summer joy and connection, has now become the site of one of the region’s worst flood tragedies in decades.
Camp Mystic, home to nearly 750 girls between the ages of 7 and 17, was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. Officials stated that parents of unaccounted-for campers had been notified, and aerial rescue operations were underway.
Video from WOAI San Antonio showed helicopters airlifting girls to safety, while Texas Game Wardens confirmed Friday night that they had reached the camp by vehicle and begun evacuations.
July 4, 2025 10:09 P.M.:
Statewide Rescue Mission Underway
“This is a mass casualty event,” said Texas Director of Public Safety Freeman Martin, as more than 400 rescue workers and 18 helicopters scoured the area. Some victims were found in trees, others in vehicles washed away by the powerful floodwaters.
The National Weather Service confirmed that Kerr County received over 10 inches of rain in 24 hours, with neighboring Llano County seeing nearly 8.5 inches.
Families and Homes Swept Away in Kerrville
Residents of Kerrville and Ingram described the floodwaters ripping through homes and vehicles.
The Guadalupe River had crested in Kerrville and Comfort by Friday evening, but the river was still rising downstream. Spring Branch was forecast to reach 37.2 feet by early Saturday morning.
Flood Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The devastation comes weeks after 15 cars were swept into Beitel Creek on Loop 410 in San Antonio—a known floodplain with no low-water crossing warning system. Friday’s disaster has reignited concerns over Texas flood preparedness.
