Flash floods killed at least 43 people when the Guadalupe River swept through central Texas early Friday morning, July 4th, Kerr County authorities said. The disaster hit near Kerrville around 4 a.m. after overnight storms caused the river to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes. Camp Mystic, a summer camp with 750 girls, suffered the worst losses with 27 campers and counselors confirmed dead and 10 girls plus one counselor still missing, according to officials.
Survivors Share Harrowing Escape Stories
The flooding caught people off guard who were staying along the Guadalupe River for the July 4th holiday. The disaster killed at least 43 people in Kerr County as of Saturday. Ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing. Authorities have launched one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in recent Texas history to find survivors and recover victims.
Weather Warnings Escalated Hour by Hour
According to meteorologist Jason Runyen, the National Weather Service had issued warnings Thursday afternoon before the downpour. Predicting 5-7 inches of rain across the Hill Country. The warnings grew more urgent through the night, escalating from a flood watch at 1:18 p.m. Thursday to flash flood warnings at 1:00 a.m. Friday, then to flash flood emergencies at 4:03 a.m., the most urgent alert level.
The storm dumped what officials called months’ worth of rain on the area overnight, with the actual downpour proving more intense than forecast. The city manager noticed no problems during his jog, then “we almost weren’t able to get out of the park,” he said.
Why Weren’t People Evacuated?
But the emergency response has raised questions about local preparedness and warning systems. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly told reporters the county had considered installing flood warning sirens six years ago but did not proceed due to cost concerns. When asked why evacuations were not ordered Thursday evening, Kelly said officials didn’t know this downpour was coming.
Massive Federal Response Mobilizes
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday following the flash flood, bringing federal help to what authorities called one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in recent Texas history. The Coast Guard and state first responders have rescued more than 850 people using helicopters and heat-detection equipment. Texas sent specialized rescue teams to the area, with over 175 personnel deployed. Governor Greg Abbott praised Trump for the swift federal response and expanded disaster declarations to include six additional counties.
Heroes Who Died Saving Others
The disaster brought out both heroes and heartbreak. Camp Mystic owner Dick Eastland died trying to rescue campers. His grandson remembered him as “a man that made everyone feel safe and seen,” who died “saving the girls that he so loved and cared for.”
Christopher Flowers was at a friend’s house when he woke to ankle-deep water. He had to move nine people into the attic.
27-year-old Julian Ryan saved his children by placing them on a floating mattress before he died. Jeff Wilson, a beloved high school auto body teacher, also lost his life while his wife and son remain missing.
At Camp Mystic, victims included 18-year-old counselor Khloe Childris, remembered for her work with senior citizens, and 9-year-old Janie Hunt, the cousin of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt. Others faced desperate situations throughout the night.
Community Rallies to Help Survivors
Community members started helping immediately. Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to direct donations to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. “We know the strength of Kerr County lies in its people,” Dickson said. “This Fund gives our neighbors and friends a way to help.” Local authorities opened reunification centers to connect families and provided counseling services for survivors.
Singer Shakira donated concert proceeds from her July 5 San Antonio show to Catholic Charities. The Houston Texans and NFL Foundation each committed $500,000, while USAA pledged another $500,000 in grants. Renowned chef José Andrés sent his World Central Kitchen team to provide emergency food relief. Operation BBQ Relief set up meal distribution sites throughout Kerrville, and Virginia-based Mercy Chefs arrived to feed first responders and victims.
Camp Mystic Takes the Heaviest Losses
Camp Mystic, a summer camp with 750 girls, suffered the worst losses. Officials confirmed 27 campers and counselors dead, with 10 girls and one counselor still missing. The camp’s location along the river created different outcomes for different areas. Girls sleeping on the lower ground near the water faced the full force of the downpour. Those housed on higher ground, called Senior Hill, mostly made it out.
A TikTok video posted by camp nurse Devon Paige shows the girls on the buses singing “to try and calm everyone” during the evacuation to a reunification center.
Governor Abbott later visited the destroyed campsite. He said it was “horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster.” Search teams continue using helicopters, boats, and K-9 units to comb the river and surrounding areas for the missing girls.
Terrifying TikTok Captures Flood’s Rapid Rise in Under an Hour
A viral TikTok video by @kelseycrowder_ shows how a peaceful July 4 celebration near the Frio River turned into a disaster in under an hour. Between 5:43pm and 6:45pm, rising waters became a raging flood, sweeping away trees and land. The flood has killed at least 51 people, including 15 children, with dozens still missing. Many online blamed the discontinued National Weather System alerts for the lack of warning.
@kelseycrowder_ Frio River Flood 2025. NATURE. IS. WILD. #FrioRiver #frioriverconcantx #frioriverflood2025 #concanTX #FYP #4thofjulyflood ♬ original sound – Kelsey Crowder
What Happens Next to Prevent Future Texas Flash Floods
While rescue operations continue for the remaining 11 missing people, officials are already looking ahead. Texas state authorities have announced plans for disaster reviews, while local officials have committed to examining flood preparedness and warning systems. Recovery efforts focus on supporting affected families and assessing infrastructure damage across the region, with the long-term challenge of preventing similar tragedies in one of America’s most flood-prone areas.
Read More: 13-Year-Old Recounts Frightening Escape from Camp Mystic During Deadly Texas Floods
