AT least 13 people have died and more than 20 children remain missing following catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas, triggered by intense overnight rainfall. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Bernama-Xinhua reported that among the missing are approximately 23 children from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River, according to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The camp is reported to host around 750 children during the summer season.
“At least 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and more than 500 personnel are conducting searches around the camp,” Patrick said at a Friday afternoon press conference. “Multiple adults and children have already been rescued from trees in the area.”
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 13 people had been killed in the county and warned that the number of fatalities could rise. “We are still actively trying to find those that are out and those that are needing assistance,” added Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice.
The National Weather Service upgraded its flash flood warning at around 4 am local time (0900 GMT) on Friday, enabling emergency alerts to be sent to residents and campers along the river. The service also warned of a “large and deadly flood wave” sweeping down the Guadalupe River.
In Kerr County, water levels surged from 7.5 feet (approximately 2.3 metres) to nearly 30 feet overnight, with the river expected to crest at 34 feet in Spring Branch by Friday afternoon. Shocking videos posted online show cars, campers, and mobile homes being swept away by the fast-moving floodwaters.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on social media that the state was “surging all available resources” in response to the disaster. “The immediate priority is saving lives,” he stated.
More than 500,000 people in central Texas were under flash flood warnings as of Friday afternoon, with emergency services stretched across multiple counties. - July 5, 2025
