A catastrophic flash flood struck Texas Hill Country early Friday, leaving at least 24 people dead and more than 20 young girls from a summer camp still unaccounted for. Torrential overnight rain — equivalent to several months’ worth — inundated the region within hours, overwhelming rivers and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Authorities confirmed that 237 people have been rescued, including 167 by helicopter, as of Friday night. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha and Governor Greg Abbott addressed the crisis in an emotional press conference.
“This is where we need to begin — and continue — invoking God Almighty,” said Gov. Abbott.
Camp Mystic: A Summer Retreat Turned Disaster Zone
Among the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls aged 7 to 17 nestled along the Guadalupe River. Roughly 700 campers were present when the floodwaters surged. Many had to be evacuated by helicopter.
Thirteen-year-old camper Elinor Lester described the terrifying night, saying a violent storm woke up her cabin at around 1:30 a.m. Rescue teams tied a rope across a bridge and led girls through knee-deep rushing water before helicopters began airlifting groups to safety.
“The camp was completely destroyed,” Elinor said. “It was really scary.”
Camp officials said they had lost power, water, and internet access. In a message posted to Facebook, they confirmed that all campers in two specific areas, Cypress Lake and Senior Hill, had been accounted for, while search efforts continued for those still missing.
“We have sustained catastrophic level floods,” the message read. “The highway has washed away, so we’re struggling to get more help. Please continue to pray.”
Statewide Emergency Response
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reported that 400–500 first responders were deployed, including 14 helicopters and 11 drones scanning the devastated area from the air.
“We need serious prayers — on your knees kind of prayers — that these girls are safe and just haven’t been found yet,” Patrick said.
Local outlet The Kerr County Lead reported that 16 of the missing girls have been identified with help from the public.
Evacuees were transported to a reunification center set up at a school in nearby Ingram, where anxious families gathered. One young girl, wearing her Camp Mystic shirt, was seen crying in her mother’s arms as they waited for more buses to arrive.
A Region Vulnerable to Disaster
Camp Mystic, founded in 1926, has long been a beloved summer destination. But its location along the Guadalupe River places it in one of the most flood-prone regions in the country — what experts call “flash flood alley.”
“When it rains, water doesn’t soak into the soil,” said Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. “It rushes down the hill.”
Rising Death Toll and Desperate Search
By Friday afternoon, Kerr County alone reported 13 confirmed fatalities, with the statewide toll expected to rise. Torrents of water swept through campgrounds, RV parks, and rural homes, stranding residents and campers alike.
Emergency dispatchers were inundated with calls. On the Kerr County Sheriff’s Facebook page, loved ones posted photos of missing people and pleaded for updates. Some said they had not heard from family members renting cabins near the river.
“Most of them, we don’t know who they are,” said County Judge Rob Kelly, referring to the deceased. “One of them was completely naked. No ID. We’re still trying to identify them.”
Flood Warnings Fell Short
Though forecasters had issued flood watches, rainfall far exceeded expectations. Patrick emphasized that alerts were issued across a wide area, but acknowledged the storm’s severity caught many by surprise.
When asked why Kerr County didn’t activate a warning system, Judge Kelly admitted,
“We do not have a warning system.”
He added, “We have floods all the time. But this is the most dangerous river valley in the United States. No one saw this coming.”
As search efforts continue and families await word on missing loved ones, Texas officials are urging the public to pray and support recovery efforts. Donations are being collected by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to assist impacted families and nonprofits on the ground.
This July 4th, a day meant for celebration has become one of mourning and urgent hope in the heart of Texas.
