2025-07-06T11:23:12Z

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Hunt, Texas — On Saturday, July 5, 2025, rescuers in central Texas faced an increasingly grim reality as they surveyed a landscape marred by a catastrophic flash flood. The Guadalupe River, known for its scenic beauty, transformed into a raging torrent overnight, rising an astonishing 26 feet (8 meters) in a mere 45 minutes, wreaking havoc in the area. The swift waters obliterated homes, overturned vehicles, and left behind a trail of destruction, prompting rescue operations in pursuit of survivors, including 27 girls who went missing after their summer camp, Camp Mystic, was engulfed by the flood.

The flood's aftermath proved devastating, with authorities confirming at least 43 fatalities—15 of whom were children. In addition, reports indicated at least eight more deaths in nearby counties. As officials focused on Camp Mystic, where most of the casualties were located, the uncertainty surrounding the complete number of missing persons fueled rising anxiety among families and communities.

Rescue efforts intensified as search teams utilized helicopters, boats, and drones to navigate the treacherous terrain, scouring trees and isolated camps where individuals had sought refuge from the rising waters. The situation remained perilous, with heavy rains continuing to pummel areas surrounding San Antonio, keeping flash flood warnings in effect.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his commitment to the rescue operations, pledging that teams would work tirelessly to find survivors. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for all Texans, urging the state to unite in remembrance of those lost and in hope for those still missing. “I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday—for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” the Governor stated.

As the rescue mission progressed, officials faced criticism regarding whether adequate warnings had reached the camps and communities long known to be vulnerable to flooding. The Guadalupe River valley has been a popular spot for family camping trips for generations, especially during the holiday season, complicating the assessment of how many individuals may still be unaccounted for.

Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, described the chaos as the storm struck in the early hours. “The camp was completely destroyed,” she recounted. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.” The unexpectedness of the storm caught many locals and campers off guard, despite advance alerts from forecasting agencies like AccuWeather and the National Weather Service that had issued warnings about potential flash flooding prior to the deluge.

While some camps, such as Mo-Ranch Camp, proactively evacuated campers to higher ground, many others were ill-prepared for the intensity of the storm. U.S. Representative Chip Roy characterized the flood as a once-in-a-century event, acknowledging the likelihood of blame being cast as communities grappled with the aftermath.

Efforts to locate individuals continued against challenging conditions. Officials noted that more than 850 people had been rescued in the first 36 hours following the flood. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged that all available resources would be deployed, with U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes aiding in ongoing operations, even as night fell.

In the community of Ingram, Erin Burgess described the harrowing moments of the flood when she and her son clung to a tree for safety after water surged into their home. “I was scared to death,” she recalled, emphasizing the chaos that unfolded within minutes. Barry Adelman, who sought refuge in the attic with his family, echoed this sentiment as he struggled to reassure his grandson that they would be alright amidst the terrifying circumstances.

As residents and officials reflected on the calamity, the locality known for its susceptibility to flash floods bore witness to the devastation. “When it rains, the water doesn’t soak into the soil,” explained Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, underscoring the area’s geography that exacerbates flooding risks.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly shared his heartbreak witnessing the aftermath from above and acknowledged the urgent need for recovery efforts. The county previously contemplated a flood warning system akin to tornado sirens, but plans had not materialized due to cost concerns. “Nobody saw this coming,” Kelly lamented, highlighting the collective confusion and sorrow engulfing the community.

As search and rescue operations continue in the wake of this tragic event, the path to recovery promises to be long and arduous for both victims and those who serve them.