Kerr County, Texas – Catastrophic flooding has engulfed parts of Central Texas, leaving at least 27 people dead and triggering a frantic search for more than 20 young girls who vanished from a beloved summer camp along the Guadalupe River. As the floodwaters slowly begin to recede, devastated communities are reeling from one of the most severe natural disasters in recent state history.
Kerr County, Texas – Catastrophic flooding has engulfed parts of Central Texas, leaving at least 27 people dead and triggering a frantic search for more than 20 young girls who vanished from a beloved summer camp along the Guadalupe River. As the floodwaters slowly begin to recede, devastated communities are reeling from one of the most severe natural disasters in recent state history.
Torrential Rains Spark Disaster
The disaster began when an unprecedented storm system dropped more than 12 inches of rain in a matter of hours across the Hill Country. The Guadalupe River, already swollen from earlier storms, surged by nearly 30 feet within 45 minutes, swallowing roads, homes, and entire campsites in its path.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for multiple counties, including Kerr, Kendall, and Comal, as state and federal emergency crews raced to aid survivors and assess the immense damage. The Texas Division of Emergency Management reported hundreds of water rescues, many conducted by helicopter and swift-water rescue teams.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Governor Abbott said. “Texas is deploying every available resource to save lives and support our fellow Texans who are hurting.”
Camp Mystic Crisis: Dozens of Girls Still Missing
Among the most alarming developments is the situation at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located on the banks of the Guadalupe River near the town of Hunt. At the time of the flooding, approximately 750 campers and staff were on site.
According to state officials, between 23 and 27 girls remain unaccounted for as of Saturday morning. The camp’s proximity to the river and the rapid rise in water levels gave little time for evacuation.
Families across the state are waiting anxiously for updates. Some have already named their missing loved ones on social media and through news outlets. Among them:
- Hadley Hanna, age 8, of Dallas
- Lainey Landry, 9, of Houston
- Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, best friends from Dallas
- Kellyanne Lytal, of San Antonio
- Janie Hunt, Molly DeWitt, Virginia Hollis, Greta Toranzo, and Renee Smajstrla, among others
Search and rescue crews are using drones, airboats, and helicopters to scan the area, with assistance from the Texas National Guard and FEMA. Emergency officials caution that “unaccounted for” does not necessarily mean deceased—some campers may be stranded or in communication-dead zones due to widespread power outages.
“We are praying for a miracle,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who visited the area Friday. “The people of Texas are with these families.”
Death Toll and Widespread Damage
The current death toll stands at 27, with more expected as authorities gain access to remote and flooded areas. Victims range in age and include motorists swept away on submerged roads, residents trapped in rising water, and individuals caught in mudslides near unstable hillsides.
Over 300,000 customers are without power, and boil-water advisories have been issued across several counties. Major highways—including sections of I-10, US-281, and State Highway 39—have been rendered impassable. Infrastructure damage is being described as “immense” by state transportation officials.
Emergency Response and Federal Support
President Joe Biden has pledged full federal assistance and offered condolences to the families of victims. FEMA has dispatched personnel to support logistics, shelter operations, and ongoing rescue efforts.
Community organizations, churches, and schools have opened their doors to displaced families. Local residents are also organizing supply drives, food deliveries, and prayer vigils.
“This is Texas at its best—neighbors helping neighbors,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “But we’re going to need sustained support to get through this.”
Experts Warn of a Pattern
Climate scientists have long warned that Texas is vulnerable to increasingly intense storms and rapid-onset floods. The speed and severity of this event underscore the growing risks associated with climate change, particularly in flood-prone rural and riverfront areas.
“This is not just a freak weather event,” said Dr. Elena Morales, a hydrologist at the University of Texas. “It’s part of a disturbing trend we’re seeing across the Southern U.S.—extreme rainfall, river surges, and overwhelmed infrastructure.”
A Long Road Ahead
As the search continues for the missing girls at Camp Mystic and families mourn loved ones lost, the recovery process is only just beginning. Authorities are urging the public to avoid travel in affected zones and to stay vigilant as rainfall continues in some areas.
Texans across the state are holding their breath, hoping that the missing will be found alive and that communities can soon begin to rebuild from this tragedy.
If you or someone you know is missing or in need of assistance due to the Texas floods, please contact the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or check in with local emergency management offices.
