Torrential rains triggered catastrophic flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas. Sadly, at least 24 people have died from this calamitous natural disaster. The devastating flooding occurred on Friday, July 4, 2025, during what was supposed to be a festive Independence Day weekend. Severe storms moved through the area, ripping roofs off mobile homes and vehicles and uprooting holiday cabins. As a consequence, communities are abandoned in chaos.
In fewer than 60 minutes, the Guadalupe River jumped an unimaginable 26 feet (7.9 meters). This sudden increase inundated neighborhoods without substantial warning. Due to depth and speed, this unexpected wave of water made it impossible for officials to issue evacuation orders, something Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice pointed out. We had no way of knowing that this was going to be anything similar to what happened here. Not even close to zero,” he said, echoing the disbelief expressed by local leaders.
Twenty-three children from same Camp Mystic are among the dead. This evangelical, nondenominational, private Christian summer camp for girls is located 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. Now Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has acknowledged that some of those campers are missing. Of the 750 who were staying at the camp during the deluge, more than 400 are still missing.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha acknowledged the deaths, referring to the flooding as “catastrophic.” Search and rescue efforts started immediately, with 237 individuals being rescued or evacuated as of Friday evening. Of those rescues, 167 of them were by helicopter rescue. The Texas Division of Emergency Management helped deploy 14 helicopters. With the emergency declaration, they sent hundreds of emergency workers to help the urban search and rescue teams.
“Everybody is doing everything in their power to get these kids out,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, emphasizing the urgency and determination of the rescue teams. Rescue teams faced significant obstacles as they moved through the swift water. Their mission — to find missing people in riverfront communities as well as at kids’ summer camps.
The area had experienced months’ worth of rainfall in a matter of hours, compounding the risks associated with the already dangerous river valley. As Judge Kelly pointed out, “We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”
When disaster struck, Donald Trump had already been alerted to the unfolding disaster, and in no uncertain terms pledged assistance. “We’ll take whatever it is we need,” he said of the federal assistance for the impacted regions. He even promised that “we’ll see to it” when asked on how to support those affected by the disaster.
Local authorities continue their search-and-rescue operations. A contingent of 100 state troopers will participate in the nine-week effort. Rescue teams are on the ground doing everything possible to rescue those still missing. Rescuers are dealing with extreme challenges in the present-day conditions. They rely on constant support from boats and helicopters to reach survivors across the area’s treacherous waters.
In the wake of this incomprehensible attack, as the situation continues to unfold, our friends and neighbors are uniting to care for and defend each other. The scale of destruction has left residents grappling with loss while they await news of loved ones missing in the flood.