A devastating flash flood swept through central Texas in the early hours of July 5, 2025, claiming the lives of at least 59 people, including 15 children. The floods, caused by intense rainfall, submerged homes, businesses, and campsites along the Guadalupe River, one of the hardest-hit areas. Among the casualties are more than 20 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas, where search and rescue efforts are still underway.
The disaster has shaken the local community and prompted widespread rescue operations. Authorities and rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors, but the situation remains dire as the floodwaters recede, revealing the extent of the damage. As the death toll rises and the search for missing individuals intensifies, many families are holding out hope for any signs of their loved ones.
The Catastrophic Flooding Along The Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River, which runs through the Hill Country of Texas, is typically a peaceful, scenic waterway, often frequented by campers and tourists. However, on the night of July 4, 2025, it transformed into a raging torrent. Local officials reported that the river surged more than 20 feet in less than two hours, triggered by a downpour that dropped as much as 10 inches of rain in some areas.
This unprecedented flooding was completely unexpected, catching many off guard. According to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, local authorities did not anticipate the scale of the storm. “We know we get rains. We know the river rises, but nobody saw this coming,” he said. The floodwaters quickly overwhelmed the banks of the river, flooding nearby campsites, including Camp Mystic, which had more than 700 girls in attendance at the time.
Search and Rescue Efforts at Camp Mystic
Camp Mystic, established in 1926 along the Guadalupe River, has long been a summer retreat for young girls. The camp’s longstanding reputation for providing a safe, wholesome environment for children now stands in stark contrast to the chaos and destruction that unfolded during the floods.
Search and rescue teams were deployed immediately after the waters receded, but access to the camp was limited due to washed-out roads and dangerous conditions. Despite the challenges, authorities, including over 100 game wardens, helicopters, and volunteers, have been working tirelessly to locate survivors. As of the latest reports, at least 27 girls from the camp remain missing, and their families are anxiously awaiting any news.
Tragically, Dick Eastland, the longtime owner and director of Camp Mystic, died while attempting to save campers. His heroic actions reflect the deep connection he had with the camp and the children who attended. “He was family to so many campers,” said Paige Sumner, a local reporter. “It doesn’t surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers.”
Rising Death Toll and Widespread Devastation
The total death toll from the flooding has now reached 59, with 43 of the victims coming from Kerr County, where Camp Mystic is located. The other fatalities occurred in neighboring counties, including Travis and Tom Green. As the floodwaters continue to recede, officials are bracing for the possibility that the death toll will continue to rise.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has vowed to keep rescuers on the ground until every missing person is found. In his statement, he referred to the flooding as “horrendously ravaged,” highlighting the catastrophic damage in the area. “We will not rest until every girl who was in those cabins is found,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing search.
The flooding has also raised questions about the preparedness of local authorities. Despite flash flood warnings being issued, the scale of the rainfall far exceeded expectations. Some officials have pointed to deficiencies in weather forecasting, questioning whether better preparation could have reduced the loss of life.
🇺🇸 Images are coming out of Camp Mystic where little girls were camped for the summer, before the deadly rainfall and flooding destroyed the area
— War Monitor (@War_monitor21) July 6, 2025
• 14 girls deceased at this time
• 200+ rescued
• 25+ still missing pic.twitter.com/7hl9cJvorQ
The Emotional Toll on Families and The Community
For the families of those affected by the flood, the emotional toll has been profound. Many parents are still waiting for confirmation about their children’s whereabouts. Some, like Renee Smajstrla’s family, have received the devastating news that their daughter did not survive. “We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life,” her uncle, Shawn Salta, wrote in a Facebook post after Renee’s body was identified.
As search crews continue their efforts, the community is coming together to support the victims’ families. The disaster has left an indelible mark on Kerr County, with residents and officials alike grappling with the scale of the tragedy. At the same time, many have praised the quick response of emergency services, including state and federal agencies, who have been providing assistance through helicopters, drones, and rescue teams.
Authorities are urging residents in other flood-prone areas to take flash flood warnings seriously, as the risk of additional storms and flooding remains high. The priority for now is to locate and rescue any remaining survivors, but the community’s focus will soon turn to recovery, rebuilding, and healing in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
