Catastrophic flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country early Friday, killing at least 27 people, including nine children, and leaving dozens more missing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said. The torrential rain struck before dawn on 4 July, rapidly pushing the Guadalupe River over its banks and inundating communities near Kerrville, about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Officials said the river rose roughly 26 feet in 45 minutes after as much as a foot of rain fell overnight—far exceeding forecasts. The wall of water washed away homes, vehicles and parts of several summer camps. More than 850 people have been rescued or evacuated, eight of them injured, while search teams using helicopters, drones and boats continue to comb debris-choked riverbanks and trees for survivors.
Particular concern centers on Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian girls’ camp that was hosting about 750 campers. Authorities estimate that 23 to 27 girls remain unaccounted for; the camp was described as “completely destroyed” by witnesses. Emergency crews said they would not halt operations “until every single person is found.”
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in 14 central Texas counties, unlocking state resources and deploying more than 500 rescue workers and 18 helicopters to the area. President Donald Trump called the floods “terrible” and said federal agencies are coordinating aid with state officials.
The National Weather Service had issued flood watches but acknowledged the intensity of the rainfall was underestimated. Local leaders also noted the absence of a river warning system in the region, known as “flash-flood alley” because its thin soils shed water quickly. Forecasters warned that additional downpours through the weekend could prolong the emergency.
Flash flooding in Central Texas has left at least 27 people dead and others missing — including over 20 campers. 850+ people have been rescued so far.
Gov. Abbott declares disaster across 15 counties. Officials say there was no warning system in place, and more rain is expected.
BREAKING: Officials confirm at least 27 people, including 9 children, have been killed in Texas floods as search operations remain underway. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) addresses reporters during a news briefing.
Torrential rains unleashed flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas, killing at least 24 people as rescue teams scrambled to save people trapped by high water or reported missing
Sheriff Larry Leitha on the Texas floods: “27 deceased fatalities at this time. Of these, 18 are adults, 9 are children.”
And 27 girls are still missing.