By M10News US News Correspondent
© M10News 2025 – All rights reserved
At least 24 people have been killed and dozens more are missing after devastating flash floods swept through central Texas, with Kerr County among the hardest-hit regions.
The flooding was triggered by more than 10 inches (25cm) of torrential rainfall overnight, causing the Guadalupe River to overflow its banks at around 4am local time on Friday.
Swift currents destroyed homes, swept away vehicles, and left entire communities submerged in water.
Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 23 to 25 of the missing were campers at a girls’ summer camp located along the river. Authorities are still working to determine the total number of those unaccounted for, with emergency rescue efforts ongoing.
“Unpredictable and Fast”
Emergency officials said the storm intensified too quickly for advanced warnings.
A city official in Kerrville described the flooding as “a very short period of time that could not be predicted, even with the radar.”
Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in Kerr County, confirmed fatalities during a press conference Friday. “We’re trying to get the identity of these folks, but we don’t have it yet,” he said, noting that most of the bodies have yet to be identified.
As of Friday evening, emergency services had rescued or evacuated at least 237 people, including 167 by helicopter, according to Major General Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general for the Texas National Guard.
Girls’ Camp Devastated
A major concern centers on Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat along the river that housed over 700 children. More than 20 girls remain unaccounted for.
Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester, one of the campers, said she and her cabin mates were awakened by the violent storm around 1:30am before being rescued by helicopter. “The camp was completely destroyed,” she told reporters. “It was really scary.”
Authorities said most campers are safe but stranded, as floodwaters have made the camp and surrounding roads inaccessible. “Everybody is doing everything in their power to get these kids out,” said Judge Kelly.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick added: “They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication. We’re praying for all of those missing to be found alive.”
“We Had No Warning”
Pressed about why stronger precautions were not taken in advance, Judge Kelly defended the emergency response, stating the flooding was unlike anything they had experienced.
“We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” he said. “We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what’s happened here. None whatsoever.”
President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, described the floods as “terrible” and confirmed federal assistance is being coordinated with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Massive Search Operation Underway
The search for survivors now involves 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and hundreds of emergency responders combing the area.
Desperate relatives have flooded social media and local agencies with requests for information. One woman, who couldn’t reach her daughter and grandchildren who were staying in a cabin near the river, pleaded for the names of the rescued to be released.
Annie Paynter wrote on Facebook that her nephew, initially feared missing, was found clinging to a tree for six hours before being rescued.
Tragically, one local man told WOAI that his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children are still missing — along with their entire house.
Officials warned the death toll could rise further as search teams continue to locate those missing and identify the deceased.
M10News will continue to monitor developments in this breaking story.
