Devastating floods in Texas kills 25, search and rescue operations are still underway. Image source: facebook/Jonathan Petramala Storyteller
At least 25 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 20 others remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through south-central Texas early Friday morning. The disaster, which hit areas northwest of San Antonio, has prompted a large-scale rescue operation and left destruction along the banks of the Guadalupe River.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha announced the confirmed fatalities during a press briefing, warning that the toll is expected to climb as search efforts continue.
Among those missing are roughly 23 girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a well-known summer camp located along the river. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick explained that the river had risen by more than eight meters (26 feet) in just 45 minutes during the night. He noted that the missing girls may not necessarily be lost, as they could have taken refuge in trees or simply lost contact due to the storm.
Camp Mystic, which hosted more than 750 campers for the July 4 holiday weekend, was hit hard. According to a message from the camp’s leadership, the area experienced extreme flooding, resulting in the loss of electricity, running water, and internet access.
By Friday evening, rescue crews managed to reach the isolated campsite using trucks and helicopters to start evacuations.
Officials at the state and local level have advised the public to avoid the affected zones, warning that many roads remain underwater and unsafe for travel. Social media footage showed the rapid destruction caused by the storm, with entire homes, trees, and cars being swept away. Kerr County received nearly one-third of its average yearly rainfall in a single night.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared video footage on social media of a dramatic helicopter rescue in which a flood victim was pulled from a tree. Abbott emphasized that air rescue teams are working around the clock and vowed that search efforts would continue until everyone is found.
While the heavy rainfall has paused for now, Martin warned that more storms are expected in areas near San Antonio and Austin.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly expressed deep concern, stating that although the area frequently experiences floods, this one was unprecedented in its severity. He described the Guadalupe River as one of the most dangerous river valleys in the country.
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