Over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, catastrophic flash floods swept through central Texas, devastating the Hill Country and Kerr County. Torrential rains up to 20 inches in some areas caused rivers like the Guadalupe to surge by more than 30 feet in just a few hours. The floods struck in the early morning hours, and glimpses of people asleep in cabins, tents, and trailers circulated online. The force of the water was such that it tore through summer camps, homes, and campgrounds, reportedly dragging people, vehicles, and entire buildings miles downstream. So what’s currently the situation? Here’s what’s reported so far.
The Human Impact
As of Monday, July 8, the official death toll from the floods has reportedly surpassed 100, making it one of the deadliest weather disasters in the U.S. in decades. At least 104 people have been confirmed dead, with dozens still missing and feared lost.
Among the hardest-hit was Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County. The camp lost 27 campers and counselors to the floodwaters. Ten campers and one counselor from the camp are still unaccounted for, and search efforts continue.
Of the 84 bodies recovered in Kerr County, 28 were children. The tragedy includes stories of families torn apart, such as 8-year-old sisters from Dallas and a former soccer coach and his wife, whose daughters remain missing.
Ongoing Search and Rescue
More than 1,700 personnel, including local, state, and federal responders, are involved in ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. Volunteers and professionals are using heavy equipment to clear debris and wading through swollen rivers to locate missing people.
There are accounts of harrowing escapes, some survivors clung to trees for hours, while others swam through cabin windows or fled uphill as floodwaters rose. Neighbors banded together to rescue the elderly and the stranded.
Why Was the Disaster So Deadly?
The floods developed rapidly, with water levels rising by up to 30 feet in under two hours. Many people received warnings too late or not at all, partly due to the rural location and poor cellphone coverage. Authorities have pledged to investigate whether enough warnings were issued and why some camps did not evacuate. Some camps did move children to higher ground in time, but others were caught off guard by the unprecedented rainfall.
The disaster has sparked debate over the adequacy of federal and local warning systems, with officials promising a thorough review after rescue operations conclude.
What’s Next?
Forecasters warn that more thunderstorms and heavy rain are likely, threatening further flooding in already saturated areas. The death toll may rise as searchers continue their grim work.
The tragedy has united communities in grief and resilience, with an outpouring of support for survivors and first responders. President Trump has declared a major disaster in Kerr County and plans to visit the area.
