Devastating flash floods swept across central Texas, particularly impacting Kerr County, leading to a catastrophic loss of life and a massive ongoing search and rescue operation. As emergency crews continue their arduous work, the confirmed death toll has risen to at least 81 people, with another 41 individuals still reported missing. Kerr County, located in the Texas Hill Country, has borne the brunt of the tragedy, accounting for 68 of the fatalities, including 28 children. The floods, triggered by torrential rainfall, caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, rising more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes, inundating homes, campsites, and entire communities.

A significant focal point of the disaster is Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The camp, which was housing approximately 750 girls for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, was deluged in the pre-dawn hours of Friday as floodwaters rapidly engulfed cabins, catching many campers while they were asleep. Ten girls and one camp counsellor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for, and the camp’s long-time director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, is among the confirmed dead, reportedly perishing while attempting to save campers. Images from the site reveal widespread destruction, with mud-caked mattresses, personal belongings, and debris scattered across the grounds, and mud lines reaching six feet up cabin walls.

The impact of the floods extends beyond Kerr County, with fatalities also reported in Travis County, Burnet County, Williamson County, Kendall County, and Tom Green County. Homes were destroyed, vehicles overturned, and entire buildings washed away by the relentless torrent. Lorena Guillen, whose home and restaurant near the Guadalupe River were destroyed, recounted how 28 RVs on her property were swept away, with people clinging to trees for survival. Jonathan and Brittany Rojas found only the foundation of their relatives’ home, with the mother and infant still missing, though their teenage son Leo miraculously survived after getting tangled in barbed wire. Anthony, another resident, lost nearly all his belongings to the mud, salvaging only a box of childhood photos and his baby blanket.

Hundreds of personnel, including the Texas National Guard, US Coast Guard, and volunteers, have been deployed for rescue efforts, utilizing trucks, helicopters, and drones. Over 850 people have been rescued so far, many found clinging to trees. However, the mission is gradually transitioning into a recovery operation, made more challenging by the difficult terrain, mud, debris, and the presence of venomous snakes. Forecasts warn of additional rainfall, with 2 to 5 inches expected and up to 10 inches possible in some areas, which could further hamper efforts.

In response to the crisis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an expanded disaster declaration to increase state resources for the search, pledging a relentless effort to locate every victim. President Donald Trump has also issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist Texas and confirming a potential visit to the state. However, the federal response has drawn criticism, with some attributing the scale of the disaster to deep staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Trump administration, potentially undermining timely weather warnings. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged an initial “moderate” flood watch had underestimated the eventual surge, which pushed river levels to 29 feet.

Amidst the official efforts, local residents have mobilized to support relief, collecting supplies, offering shelter, and providing aid to displaced neighbors. Alma Garcia drove from San Antonio to deliver home-cooked meals, while Perla collected clothes and shoes for shelters. The community response highlights the solidarity in the face of unprecedented devastation. Well-wishes have also poured in internationally, with Pope Leo XIV offering special prayers for the bereaved families in Texas. The “Flash Flood Alley” region is no stranger to such events, but experts warn that the current disaster’s scale and speed point to intensifying climate extremes, driving more intense weather events across the U.S. As communities mourn and begin the arduous process of rebuilding, the search for the missing continues with urgent hope.