Deadly flooding claims six lives in Texas during Fourth of July
- Severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, led to at least six fatalities.
- Emergency services are conducting rescues and evacuations, urging residents to shelter in place.
- Disaster response efforts are ongoing as the community deals with the extensive damage caused by the flooding.
On July 4, 2025, a catastrophic flooding event struck Kerr County, Texas, following intense rainfall that resulted in the Guadalupe River overflowing its banks. The flood, caused by up to 11 inches of rain falling in some areas, resulted in at least six confirmed fatalities and widespread destruction across the region. Emergency services were activated to conduct swift-water rescues, with local authorities urging residents to shelter in place and evacuate low-lying areas. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office, responding to numerous rescue requests, indicated that fatalities had occurred but withheld further details pending notification of next of kin. In Kerrville, a city heavily impacted by the flooding, major damage to homes and vehicles was reported, with water levels in the Guadalupe River reaching more than 29 feet, marking the second-highest level ever recorded. Mandatory evacuations were issued for residents near the river as officials worked tirelessly to assess the damage and provide relief to those affected. Emergency shelters were established at local facilities, indicating the severity of the situation as families sought refuge from the rising waters. The timing of the flooding coincided with the Fourth of July holiday, typically a day marked by celebration. In light of the emergency, local officials canceled Independence Day events and shifted their focus to disaster response efforts. A flash flood emergency was declared for areas along the Guadalupe River, and local emergency services coordinated with the Texas National Guard to bolster their response capabilities, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the flooding. As the water began to recede later in the day, ongoing search and recovery operations were expected to intensify, particularly at summer camps, parks, and in affected neighborhoods where residents were unaccounted for. The overall situation remained dynamic, and authorities urged caution and vigilance as they continued efforts to rescue trapped individuals and provide support to those displaced by this unprecedented weather event.