Central Texas, July 6, 2025 — What was supposed to be a joyful summer escape turned into an unimaginable tragedy as flash floods swept through Central Texas, claiming 51 lives and leaving dozens missing — including 27 girls from a beloved summer camp. The devastating floods, driven by a freak deluge that caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, have left entire communities in mourning and the state reeling.
Devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, claim 13 lives and leave 23 girls from Camp Mystic unaccounted for. The Guadalupe River surged 9 meters due to 18 cm of rain. Rescue efforts involve 500 personnel and 40 helicopters. A rare, catastrophic event. #TexasFloods #Kerrville… pic.twitter.com/ortn5SMj1z
— Live updates (@psychodelic_me2) July 5, 2025
Among the hardest hit was Camp Mystic, a prestigious all-girls summer camp nestled along the river in Kerr County. More than 750 girls were attending seasonal activities when the floods struck. According to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, 43 people died in the county alone, including 15 children, several of whom were campers at Mystic.
As of Saturday night, only four of the 27 missing girls have been confirmed dead, with families anxiously awaiting news of the others. The rest remain unaccounted for, as search and rescue teams work tirelessly through mud, debris, and fast-moving currents.
A Scene of Chaos and Heartbreak
The aftermath at Camp Mystic is harrowing. Broken windows, mud-smeared belongings, and crumpled cabins mark what used to be a haven for generations of young girls. Camp owner Dick Eastland and Jane Ragsdale, director of the neighboring Heart O’ The Hills camp, are among the confirmed dead, casting a shadow over Texas’ tight-knit summer camp community.
“This is the kind of tragedy that leaves scars forever,” said Soila Reyna, a resident of nearby Kerrville. “It’s not just property lost. We’re talking about children — entire futures.”
Massive Search and Rescue Effort Underway
Responders from across Texas, including aerial units, swift-water rescue teams, and K-9 search squads, have converged on Kerr County in a race against time. The Guadalupe River, still swollen and treacherous, continues to pose a significant risk to both survivors and rescue teams.
“We will search until every missing person is accounted for,” said Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Despite the hazardous conditions, operations are ongoing, with 850 people evacuated so far and eight reported injured.
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state’s disaster declaration and called on the federal government for emergency resources. In a formal request to President Donald Trump, Abbott stressed the urgent need for medical support, infrastructure repairs, and advanced search equipment.
Warning Systems Under Fire
Amid the destruction, questions are emerging about the effectiveness of flood warnings. Many families and camp officials were caught off guard, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has faced criticism for underestimating the storm’s severity.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to upgrade meteorological infrastructure across flood-prone regions of Texas. “We can’t afford another failure like this,” said one DHS spokesperson.
The forecast for the coming days adds further concern. The NWS has predicted more rainfall, increasing the risk of renewed flash floods in the region.
Climate Change and the New Normal
Experts and local leaders are warning that this disaster reflects a growing trend — climate change-induced extreme weather. The intensity and speed of the flooding in Kerr County are being linked to shifting climate patterns that are making flash floods more frequent and dangerous across the southern United States.
“Texas has always dealt with weather extremes,” said meteorologist Dr. Leanne McCarthy, “but the scale and rapid onset of this flood were unprecedented. We’re now facing weather events our systems weren’t built for.”
Communities Unite Amid Grief
In the face of heartbreak, Central Texans are rallying. Local churches, schools, and community centers have opened their doors to those displaced by the flood. Fundraisers and blood drives have been launched across the state.
“We are Texans — we don’t back down,” said Kerrville Mayor Alma Del Rio. “Our hearts are broken, but we will rebuild, and we will honor every life lost by protecting those still here.”
The death toll may continue to rise as search efforts intensify over the weekend. For now, families cling to hope, and an entire state prays for miracles along the banks of the Guadalupe River.
The tragedy at Camp Mystic will forever be etched in Texas history — not only as a natural disaster but as a deeply human loss of young lives and unfulfilled dreams.
