Catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River left at least 25 people dead and dozens more missing Friday, prompting the deployment of the National Guard and a full-scale emergency response from state and federal officials.
Torrential rain early Friday caused the Guadalupe River to surge nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming communities and sweeping through Camp Mystic, a private Christian all-girls summer camp with over 750 attendees.
Officials confirmed that 24 fatalities occurred in Kerr County and one in Kendall County. Between 23 and 25 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for, authorities said late Friday.
Evacuations and Search Efforts Underway
Emergency crews, including Texas National Guard troops, used helicopters and military vehicles to evacuate at least 237 people — 167 of whom were airlifted, according to Major General Thomas Suelzer.
“Day or night, local and state officials are working side by side,” Governor Greg Abbott said during a press conference Friday evening. He added that federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, have offered additional assistance.
“The federal government is stepping in and offering full support to this community in the heart of Texas,” Abbott said.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. has declared a local state of disaster, and numerous shelters have been opened. The Red Cross is assisting, and a Walmart in Kerrville is serving as a reunification center for families.
Families Await News, Some Still Searching
Greta Toranzo and Hadley Hanna are among the children still missing, their families told Fox News Digital. “We are desperate for news,” said Ellen Toranzo, Greta’s mother.
Nearby camps reported that all children had been accounted for, according to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Patrick urged parents not to drive into the flood zone due to impassable roads. “I know it’s heartbreaking. If it were my child, I’d want to go too. But we’re working to safely get everyone out,” he said. “We have 10 buses on standby and a plan to reunite families once the roads are clear.”
Political Leaders Respond
On social media, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) asked for prayers and confirmed he had spoken with President Trump and state officials.
“Please pray for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic,” Cruz wrote. “President Trump committed to providing anything Texas needs.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) also expressed condolences: “Our prayers are with the families of those lost and those still unaccounted for.”
Governor Abbott confirmed that all available state resources were being deployed, including water rescue teams and shelter operations.
Power Outages and Overwhelmed Funeral Homes
As of Friday night, nearly 3,000 customers in the Kerrville area remained without electricity, according to the Kerrville Public Utility Board.
Local funeral homes told Fox News Digital they are overwhelmed by the number of casualties.
A flood gauge photo released by the AP showed water overflowing rural roads near Kerrville, underscoring the scale of the disaster.
“This is a tragedy the likes of which we haven’t seen in years,” said one emergency responder.
Ongoing Crisis
The flood has reignited concerns about Texas’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly in the Hill Country region, known for its riverside camps and low-lying terrain.
As search and rescue efforts continue, officials warn that more rain is expected over the weekend, potentially complicating recovery operations.
“We are focused on saving lives,” Abbott said. “And we will not stop until every missing person is accounted for.”Tools
