Central Texas experienced catastrophic flash flooding over the July Fourth weekend, leading to a mounting death toll that surpassed 100, with many more individuals still missing. The torrential rains, which dumped up to 12 inches of water, caused the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes, inundating areas like Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country, which is naturally prone to such rapid flooding due to its soil composition.

The devastation at Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls Christian summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River, was particularly severe. The camp confirmed 27 deaths among its campers and counselors, with 10 girls and one counselor initially remaining unaccounted for from the Bubble Inn and Twins cabins, which housed the youngest girls aged 8 to 10. These cabins were dangerously close to both the Guadalupe River and a nearby creek, making escape exceptionally challenging. Tragically, Dick Eastland, the camp's co-owner, died while attempting to rescue children, with his body found in an SUV alongside three girls. Specific victims included Janie Hunt, Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Lainey Landry, Sarah Marsh, Linnie McCown, Winne Naylor, Eloise Peck, Renee Smajstrla, Mary Stevens, and counselor Chloe Childress. Several congressional representatives and their families had personal connections to the camp, with one congressman's granddaughters airlifted to safety while their cousin perished.

Beyond Camp Mystic, the floods claimed lives across multiple counties, including Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson. The human toll extended to a family of five swept away from Blue Oak RV Park, where the owner described the unbearable sounds of screaming in the dark. Heartbreakingly, 8-year-old twin sisters, Blair and Brooke Harber, sent their parents a final "I love you" text before drowning, their bodies found with hands locked together. Other victims included longtime high school teacher Jeff Wilson, who died while camping with his family, and Joyce Catherine Badon, 21, whose father tragically found a young boy's body while searching for her.

Questions about preparedness and warning systems quickly arose. Kerr County officials had previously considered installing a flood warning system akin to a tornado siren, but deemed it too expensive, relying instead on word-of-mouth. This decision faced scrutiny from local officials, who claimed "nobody saw this coming," and from US Representative Chip Roy. The White House, however, defended the National Weather Service, asserting that timely and consistent warnings were issued, despite prior staffing cuts to the agency. Adding to the controversy, a Texas pediatrician, Dr. Christina Propst, was fired after a social media post appeared to mock Trump supporters in Kerr County, wishing them to "get what they voted for" regarding FEMA cuts and climate change denial.

Search and rescue operations continued for days, involving hundreds of emergency personnel, helicopters, and drones. Rescuers contended with challenging terrain, including mud, debris, and snakes. The process of identifying victims was complicated, necessitating DNA testing, and local funeral homes brought in morgue trailers to accommodate the mounting number of deceased. Officials urged sightseers and private drone operators to stay away, as their presence hampered critical rescue efforts.

In the wake of the disaster, communities rallied to provide support. Candlelight vigils were held in San Antonio, drawing hundreds of mourners who gathered to pray and contribute to relief efforts. Organizations like Jake's 58 casino initiated fundraising campaigns, and the Houston Astros donated $1 million to aid recovery. Many groups, including the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, provided critical resources and assistance. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, pledging federal resources and planning a visit to the region, though he faced criticism for vacationing in Greece when the floods began.