2025-07-06T23:12:00Z

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KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — The Texas Hill Country has been shaken by devastating flash floods that have resulted in the tragic deaths of dozens of individuals and left many others unaccounted for, including a group of girls from Camp Mystic. This catastrophe occurred over the July Fourth holiday weekend, a time when many families were gathered to celebrate. The flooding, particularly severe along the Guadalupe River just outside of San Antonio, has prompted a massive search and recovery operation as authorities grapple with the challenges of identifying victims and managing public concerns regarding emergency preparedness.

The torrential rains that triggered the floods were particularly intense, dropping nearly 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in a matter of hours, with much of it falling overnight. The Texas Hill Country is notorious for its susceptibility to flash flooding due to its rugged terrain and soil composition, which allows water to run off the surface rather than soak in. On Friday, the severe storm that rolled through the region began to wreak havoc in the early hours, culminating in catastrophic flooding.

On the evening of July 3rd, the National Weather Service had issued a flood watch, followed by an urgent warning around 4 a.m. on July 4th, signaling a potential for catastrophic damage. By 5:20 a.m., local residents were alarmed as water levels rapidly escalated. Reports indicate that the Guadalupe River rose a staggering 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, sweeping away everything in its path.

The current death toll stands at 79, a number that Governor Greg Abbott indicated could rise as search efforts continue. Tragically, the bodies of 68 individuals, including 28 children, have been recovered in Kerr County alone, with concerns still lingering for at least 41 people who remain unaccounted for statewide. Among those missing are ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp that was filled with young attendees excited to celebrate the holiday.

For many, the camp represents cherished memories, now overshadowed by grief and loss. The uncertainty surrounding the number of missing individuals from other nearby camps and recreational sites remains high, with no definitive figures released as rescue teams work around the clock.

Survivors of the floods have described harrowing scenes, likening the deluge to a “pitch black wall of death,” and many stated they did not receive any advance emergency warnings. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly expressed disbelief that such a disaster could occur, stating, “nobody saw this coming.” Officials have referred to this event as a “100-year-flood,” suggesting the severity and frequency of such flooding is statistically rare, although the effects of climate change are increasingly being recognized as a complicating factor.

Criticism has mounted regarding the timeliness of flood warnings and the lack of evacuation orders before the disaster struck. Local officials acknowledged that residents can grow fatigued from repeated alerts and minor flooding events, which may lead to complacency in heeding warnings. Despite proposals for a more advanced flood warning system akin to those used for tornadoes, public pushback concerning costs has hindered progress on this front.

The aftermath of these flash floods has left a monumental task ahead for the community. Entire campgrounds have been obliterated, and homes have been ripped from their foundations. Kerr County Judge Kelly noted, “It’s going to be a long time before we’re ever able to clean it up, much less rebuild it.” Previous disasters have seen residents and business owners abandoning their properties, with memories of Hurricane Helene still fresh in the minds of those affected.

In light of the disaster, President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit the affected areas on Friday to assess the situation firsthand. The scale of this tragedy has drawn national attention, and efforts to rescue and recover those lost continue to unfold.