Devastating Texas Floods Claim 13 Lives, Search Ongoing for Missing Campers

In a tragic turn of events, severe flooding in the Texas Hill Country has resulted in at least 13 confirmed deaths and left more than 20 girls missing from a summer camp. The catastrophic weather event unfolded on July 5, 2025, when an extraordinary amount of rainfall, equating to several months' worth, fell within just a few hours. This deluge caused flash flooding along the Guadalupe River, prompting urgent rescue operations involving both helicopters and boats.

According to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, initial reports indicated that between six and ten bodies were discovered in the aftermath of the floods. However, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 13, with search and rescue efforts ongoing. "Some are adults, some are children," Patrick stated during a press conference. "We don’t know where those bodies came from." The statistics and the circumstances surrounding the victims remain unclear, as authorities continue to work diligently to identify the deceased.

A flood gauge in Kerr County recorded a staggering 25 centimeters of rain overnight, leading to the rapid rise of water levels and resulting in significant flooding across the region. Emergency responders have conducted numerous rescues, with many individuals still reported as unaccounted for, including over 20 girls from a local summer camp. In a heartfelt appeal, Patrick urged Texans to pray for the safe return of the missing campers, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has become a focal point for concerned family members seeking information about their loved ones. Social media has been inundated with desperate pleas for updates on the whereabouts of individuals caught in the flood zone. Among those missing is a family that had rented a cabin in Hunt, Texas. "We need someone to post the names of those already evacuated," one mother pleaded, seeking any glimmer of hope.

Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in the county, confirmed the fatalities and acknowledged the challenges faced in identifying the victims. "Most of them, we don’t know who they are," he stated. He described the situation as dire, with one victim found without identification, complicating the search for answers.

Survivor Erin Burgess recounted a harrowing experience as floodwaters rushed into her home. "It was raining pretty heavy, but no big deal," she recalled. However, within minutes, her home was engulfed by water, leading her family to cling to a tree for survival. "My son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away," she shared, highlighting the devastating impact of the flooding on families in the area.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch prior to the incident, but the sudden intensity of the rainfall caught many off guard. Sheriff Kelly admitted to a lack of a warning system, stating, "We didn’t know this flood was coming." He further noted the region's history of dangerous flooding, emphasizing that this was one of the most perilous river valleys in the United States.

In response to the crisis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that state resources would be directed towards the affected Hill Country communities, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. The Texas Hill Country—known for its picturesque landscapes and popular summer getaways—has a history of flash flooding, which was tragically underscored by this recent disaster.

As the search continues for the missing girls, neighboring communities are bracing for potential flooding as water from the Guadalupe River continues to flow downstream. The sheriff’s office in Kendall County has already sounded alarms, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately.

This devastating event not only highlights the immediate dangers posed by extreme weather but also raises questions about emergency preparedness and response in the face of such unpredictable natural disasters. As families await news of their loved ones, the Texas community rallies together, showcasing resilience in the face of tragedy.

The impact of this flooding extends beyond immediate losses; it poses long-term implications for community safety, emergency management protocols, and the psychological toll on families affected by this disaster. Experts suggest that addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities and improving warning systems could be crucial in mitigating the effects of future flooding events. As Texas grapples with this catastrophe, the focus will increasingly shift to recovery and prevention strategies to safeguard residents against the whims of nature.