At least 50 killed, dozens missing in catastrophic Texas flash floods

Central Texas was struck by a sudden and deadly flash flood over the July 4 weekend, when up to 15 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, primarily impacting Kerr County and nearby regions.

The storm surged the Guadalupe River by approximately 26 feet—claiming at least 43 lives, including 15 children, while unverified reports suggest the total could exceed 50 deaths.

One of the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian girls’ camp located along the riverbank. Authorities reported around 27 campers missing, while dozens of others were rescued via helicopters and boats.

Emergency teams—including local, state, and federal responders—rescued over 850 people, many clinging to trees or stranded in floodwaters.

The National Weather Service had issued flash-flood emergencies, though the severity of the storm caught many by surprise.

Residents described harrowing scenes: furniture, trees and cabins swept away, and land vanishing within minutes.

Governor Greg Abbott requested federal aid and affirmed that recovery efforts would continue "limitlessly." President Trump offered condolences and pledged federal support, describing the situation as “terrible.”

Flash flood alerts remained active across central and southern Texas as more heavy rain was anticipated.

Climate experts note warmer atmosphere due to climate change can hold more moisture, intensifying storms—a pattern contributing to increasingly severe flash floods in Texas .