Death toll in Texas flash flood reaches 82, search for survivors intensifies as 10 girls from camp remain missing

By | July 7, 2025
Texas flash flood death toll rises as Guadalupe River floods camp area

Kerr County, Texas — A sudden flash flood in Central Texas has killed at least 82 people, including 28 children. The disaster struck during the night of July 4, overwhelming riverside communities. Among the missing are 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a popular Christian summer camp in Kerr County.

River Rose 26 Feet in Under an Hour

Late on July 4, torrential rain battered the Hill Country. In some places, more than 20 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. The Guadalupe River swelled rapidly, rising over 26 feet in 45 minutes. Towns and camps near the river had almost no time to evacuate.

Many families were asleep when the waters struck. Homes, cars, and camp buildings were swept away. Videos show walls of water crashing through once-peaceful spots.

Tragedy at Camp Mystic

Camp Mystic was in full swing when the flood hit. Girls had just finished evening prayers and were settling in for the night. Staff scrambled to move them to higher ground. But the water came too fast.

The flood killed four young girls and Camp Director Dick Eastland, who tried to rescue those trapped in a cabin. Ten campers and one counselor are still missing. Their families are holding out hope.

“We will not stop until everyone is found,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “This community is hurting, but we are united.”

Rescuers Work Around the Clock

Search teams are working nonstop. So far, they have rescued over 850 people. Helicopters, drones, boats, and dive teams are all in use. Crews are scanning flooded buildings and using sonar in deep water.

But every hour matters. The river is filled with debris, making searches more dangerous. Officials say the chance of survival drops quickly after the first 48 hours.

Questions About Emergency Warnings

Some residents said they never received flood warnings. Areas with poor cell service missed alerts. Camp Mystic reportedly didn’t get a warning in time.

“We must find out if the alert system failed,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “Better communication could have saved lives.”

Lawmakers and families are now demanding answers. Some believe that just 10 to 15 minutes of notice could have allowed the camp to evacuate safely.

Federal Help Arrives

President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for several counties, including Kerr and Gillespie. FEMA teams are now on the ground, offering food, water, and shelter.

Churches, nonprofits, and local volunteers are also stepping up. Donation drives and hot meals are helping survivors get through each day.

Families Wait and Pray

Dozens of parents are gathered at the First Baptist Church of Hunt, waiting for updates. Many are praying, sharing stories, and leaning on each other.

Some parents shared videos from their daughters’ final night. One clip shows girls singing camp songs, unaware of what lay ahead.

“She said she loved me and couldn’t wait to come home,” said Rebecca Lewis, whose daughter Ella is still missing. “Now I just want to hold her again.”

Grief counselors and rescue teams are doing their best to comfort those waiting.

Texas Mourns and Rebuilds

This flood is one of the worst in Texas history. It rivals the 1921 Central Texas flood, but this time many victims are children. That makes the pain deeper.

Entire roads have crumbled. Crops are ruined. Many homes are gone. Power and water systems are still down in some towns. Wildlife has also been displaced.

Despite the damage, the community is coming together. Volunteers are helping to clean debris and feed survivors. Others are helping families find temporary shelter.

💡 How You Can Help

If you want to support recovery efforts:

  • Donate to the Texas Disaster Relief Fund or Red Cross of Central Texas.
  • Register as a volunteer at disasterresponse.texas.gov.

Final Thoughts

This tragedy reminds us how quickly nature can turn deadly. In minutes, joy turned to horror. But amid the loss, Texans are showing strength, faith, and unity. The search for the missing continues—with hope and heartbreak intertwined.