News Summary
Severe flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has resulted in at least 24 fatalities and many more missing as emergency operations continue following torrential rains. The flooding began on July 4 and has primarily affected a summer camp, with many campers unaccounted for. Emergency services are actively involved in rescues, with state resources mobilized to assist. The rainfall has caused significant rise levels in rivers, leading to extensive damage and prompting local officials to declare states of emergency. Ongoing heavy rains are predicted to worsen the situation.
Kerr County, Texas – Severe flash flooding triggered by torrential rain has left at least 24 people dead and dozens missing in Central Texas, as emergency rescue operations continue. The flooding, primarily affecting Kerr County—about 75 miles west of Austin—began on July 4, 2025, around 4:25 PM CDT, following intense rainfall that saw levels surge dramatically in rivers.
Initial reports indicate that between 23 and 25 campers from Camp Mystic, a summer camp for children, are unaccounted for amidst the chaos. In total, 237 individuals have been successfully rescued, of which 167 were airlifted by helicopter. The urgency of these operations highlights the severe impact of the flooding, with emergency services employing helicopters, rescue boats, and ground teams to assist those in need.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized state resources, including the National Guard and specialized water rescue units, emphasizing the need to prioritize human lives in the wake of such devastating conditions. Multiple flash flood emergency warnings have been declared by the National Weather Service, marking this as a critical disaster situation for the region.
The rainfall recorded in various parts of the area has ranged from 4 to 14 inches, with Hunt receiving more than 10 inches in a matter of just a few hours. The Guadalupe River experienced a significant rise, increasing by 22 feet in three hours, reaching its second-highest level on record. The scope of the flooding has led to damage to homes, campsites, and RV parks, with two parks in Kerrville now closed as a precaution.
Emergency responses have urged local residents to remain indoors, especially in San Angelo, where police have advised against unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes. Numerous summer camps were in session when flooding started, catalyzing heightened search and rescue operations to locate missing individuals.
Officials have stressed the importance of adhering to evacuation orders and avoiding flooded areas, issuing clear warnings that “turning around is safer than drowning.” Reports indicated that Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly was unprepared for the flood’s severity, despite prior flood warnings being issued.
In response to the dire circumstances, local governments have declared states of emergency and established shelters for displaced residents in community centers, schools, and churches. The Red Cross is actively assisting efforts to reunite families searching for missing persons as the community grapples with the aftermath.
As the situation evolves, President Trump has addressed the issue, acknowledging the flooding as “terrible” and promising federal support for recovery efforts. Unfortunately, forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall, which may exacerbate the already critical flood conditions across the region.
Many residents have shared harrowing accounts of the rapid rise of floodwaters, with some left to evacuate under perilous conditions. Ongoing operations are planned to continue overnight, as search and rescue teams maintain efforts to locate those missing and provide assistance where possible.
As this situation continues to develop, officials remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of Central Texas residents as they work through this unprecedented crisis.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Kerr County, Texas
- CNN Weather
- Google Search: Kerr County flooding 2025
- KXAN Investigations
- Google Scholar: Kerr County flooding impact
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Central Texas flooding 2025
- KSAT News
- Google News: Central Texas flooding
