Floods kill at least 13 and leave dozens missing in Texas
- A significant flash flood event in Central Texas led to major emergencies declared across several counties.
- Tragically, 13 people have died, and around 20 girls from Camp Mystic are currently missing.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and communities are rallying to support affected families.
On July 4, 2025, heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, particularly affecting the Hill Country region. The Guadalupe River surged to historic levels, overwhelming the area and leading to dire emergency situations across multiple counties. The National Weather Service had issued several flash flood warnings, escalating to multiple emergencies as conditions worsened. Tragically, authorities confirmed that at least 13 individuals lost their lives due to the swift-moving floodwaters, with expectations that this number could rise as recovery efforts continued. Among the most heartbreaking impacts of the flooding was the uncertainty surrounding about 20 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. As rescue teams mobilized to search for survivors, families were left in anguish as they learned that many of the campers were unaccounted for. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who provided updates during a news conference, expressed hope for the safe recovery of the missing, acknowledging the prayers and concerns of distraught parents. The conditions leading to such a swift disaster were notably exacerbated by months of drought in the region, which prevented the soil from absorbing the sudden influx of rain. The area received over 10 inches of rain in a short time, along with thunderstorms that contributed to the dangerous flooding conditions. Many of these storms brought significant challenges to emergency service organizations, requiring adaptations in response to the rising waters. Authorities and local emergency services worked tirelessly through the day and into the early evening to conduct rescues and recoveries, utilizing helicopters and boats. Communities banded together in support of one another as local charity foundations began to gather donations to aid the affected families and emergency responders. As recovery efforts unfolded, officials continued to assess the significant impact of the floods and the critical need for support in these challenging times.