Kerr County residents face tragedy as floodwaters rise rapidly.
Catastrophic Texas Floods turned a joyful Fourth of July celebration into chaos and heartbreak for Kerr County residents. Flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed at least 13 lives, left dozens missing, and triggered a massive rescue effort involving helicopters, drones, and ground teams.
The flooding began around 4:00 a.m. on Friday, when torrential rains—recorded at up to 12 inches per hour—pummeled the region. Within just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River surged by 26 feet, overwhelming nearby communities, including the city of Kerrville, located 90 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Camp Mystic Girls Among the Missing
Twenty-three girls are still unaccounted for after the river swallows the campgrounds.
Among the hardest-hit areas is Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp. As of Friday evening, 23 girls were still missing. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick urged calm, emphasizing that the girls could be stranded in trees or without communication rather than lost. He said, “We will do everything humanly possible to find your daughters,” and promised to search every tree and rock.
The state’s emergency response includes 14 helicopters, 12 drones, nine rescue teams, and water-based search units. Still, authorities are asking civilians not to deploy on their own, as the area remains a volatile and dangerous scene.
Rescue Teams Persist as Fatalities Rise
Officials warn they may uncover more fatalities in the coming days.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 13 individuals had died, though he cautioned that the number could increase. “I think there will be more when this thing is over,” he stated. Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott assured Texans that all available resources, including the National Guard and the Department of Public Safety, are being utilized to support the response.
Authorities have established reunification centers and shelters to support displaced residents. Authorities urged residents along rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas to evacuate immediately and seek higher ground.
Four Months of Rainfall in Six Hours
Meteorologists say unprecedented downpour triggered deadly surge.
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci reported over 10 inches of rain fell in hours, causing Guadalupe River to rise 40 feet rapidly. The Catastrophic Texas Floods prompted the National Weather Service to declare the event “life-threatening” and issue urgent flash flood warnings. In western Kerr County, river levels even surpassed those of the notorious 1987 flood that claimed the lives of 10 teenagers from a church group.
Comfort, Texas Issues Mandatory Evacuations
Sirens sound as rising waters force residents to flee their homes.
The town of Comfort, Texas, issued mandatory evacuations early Friday morning. The Comfort Volunteer Fire Department urged residents to take only essential items and head to higher ground immediately. “The flood situation in Comfort is not improving,” officials said in a Facebook update.
Police and fire personnel tirelessly aided evacuations, while local churches and Walmart set up shelters. The city of Kerrville also declared a disaster and canceled its “Fourth on the River” festivities.
President Trump and Senator Cruz Offer Support
Federal officials pledge to assist Texas during the crisis.
Texas officials reported they were in regular communication with the White House. Former President Donald Trump reportedly told local leaders, “Whatever we need, we will have.” Senator Ted Cruz confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump had committed to providing “ANYTHING Texas needs.”
The federal show of support came as the state’s emergency crews continued grueling search and rescue operations in what Patrick described as “a devastating event for our community.”
Weather Threat Continues Into the Weekend
Forecasters warn that further rainfall could exacerbate already critical conditions.
The National Weather Service warned that west-central Texas remains under threat, with saturated ground making the region especially vulnerable. Up to 5 more inches of rain are possible through the weekend, with rivers and creeks still at dangerous levels.
Even areas hundreds of miles away, like Tom Green County and San Angelo, reported flooded homes and intersections.
Community Resilience Amid Tragedy
Despite devastation, the local spirit remains strong.
The Kerrville Police Department summed up the community’s resilience in a heartfelt message: “We are strong together. The outpouring of support and assistance humbles us.” Despite the devastation caused by the Catastrophic Texas Floods, the united efforts of first responders, volunteers, and families offer a powerful ray of hope as the community begins a long road to recovery.