News Summary
Central Texas is dealing with the devastating aftermath of severe flooding that has resulted in at least 27 deaths and numerous individuals missing. As emergency responders continue to search through the holiday weekend, communities along the San Gabriel River have been hit hard by extreme rainfall, prompting extensive rescue operations. Flash flood alerts remain in effect for millions, and authorities are conducting urgent searches for missing persons, including campers and a first responder. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster to facilitate resource allocation for affected residents.
Georgetown, Texas – Central Texas is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 27 lives and left dozens missing as emergency responders continue their search efforts through the Fourth of July weekend. The deluge has devastated communities along the San Gabriel River, which overflowed due to extreme rainfall, prompting urgent rescue operations across affected areas.
As of July 5, 2025, local authorities confirmed that 24 individuals have died in the flooding, with additional reports indicating that search teams in Kerr County have identified 32 victims, while similar numbers remain unaccounted for. The situation is particularly critical as authorities seek to locate approximately 20 girls missing from the Camp Mystic summer camp in Kerr County, along with a Burnet County first responder who vanished while responding to a service call.
Flash flood alerts have been issued for over 6 million Texans as an unstable weather pattern, fueled by tropical moisture, continues to wreak havoc in the region. Rainfall totals in Burnet County reached between 6 to 12 inches by the morning of July 4, drastically worsening conditions. The South Fork San Gabriel River measured an alarming 30.9 feet, far surpassing its flood stage of 9 feet, while rising water levels led to some rivers soaring by over 30 feet in just one hour.
Emergency operations have already resulted in the rescue of 26 individuals from floodwaters in Williamson County, with helicopters and boats deployed by local responders in Travis and Williamson counties. Authorities issued evacuation orders for mobile home parks and apartment complexes in low-lying areas along the San Gabriel River, while emergency shelters were established at the Georgetown Recreation Center and the First United Methodist Church to assist displaced residents.
In addition to immediate rescue efforts, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in the affected areas to streamline the allocation of resources and aid. He emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts among state and local agencies to address the dire needs of the residents impacted by the floods.
The intense and ongoing rainfall has drawn parallels to the catastrophic floods of 1987, a disaster that also resulted in significant loss of life in Central Texas. Residents are being urged to heed warnings to stay away from blocked-off low-water crossings and other risky areas, as the unpredictable floodwaters continue to pose a threat.
As the days progress, search teams remain hopeful yet cautious as they advance into rural areas commonly frequented for camping and recreation. Authorities have reassured survivors that the search for missing individuals will persist until every person is accounted for, as the full extent of the disaster continues to unfold.
The combination of the continuous rain and swift water flow has added an additional layer of danger for emergency personnel and residents alike. In light of the ongoing weather threats, Texas counties continue to monitor conditions closely and respond as necessary to protect lives and property.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Flash Flooding in Austin Claims Lives and Displaces Residents
Severe Flash Flooding in Kerr County Leaves 24 Dead
Austin Cancels Fourth of July Fireworks Due to Severe Weather
Texas Hill Country Flooding Claims Lives and Traps Campers
Austin Cancels Fourth of July Fireworks Due to Flooding
Austin Cancels Fourth of July Festivities Due to Weather
Severe Weather Causes Power Outages in Central Texas
Bastrop Community Mourns Loss of Two Beloved Residents
Austin Ranks Second Best City for Fourth of July Celebrations in Texas
Central Texas Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Georgetown Flooding
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- KXAN: Evacuations in Georgetown
- Google Search: Georgetown Texas Flood
- Hello Georgetown: Flood Emergency
- Google Scholar: Texas Flooding 2025
- FOX 7 Austin: Flooding Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Gabriel River Flooding
- Community Impact: San Gabriel River Floods
- Google News: San Gabriel River Flood
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
