Wednesday night, powerful storms dumped up to 300 mm of rain in south-central Texas, causing flash floods in Kerr County, 105 km from San Antonio. The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings as rain rates surpassed predictions, transforming calm creeks and rivers into raging torrents within two hours.
Kerrville’s City Manager, Dalton Rice, called the flooding “catastrophic,” noting it hit suddenly, leaving no time for warnings. By morning, streets, campsites, and rural areas were engulfed by fast-moving, debris-filled waters.
Record Rainfall and Rapid River Rise
Meteorologists reported that intense storm cells dropped over 25 centimeters of rain in a few hours. The already saturated soil couldn’t absorb more water, leading to a rapid rise in river levels. The Guadalupe River surged 8 meters in 45 minutes, overflowing its banks and flooding roads, bridges, and nearby communities.
Flash floods struck before dawn, catching residents off guard. Many woke to find water surging at their doors. By the time help arrived, roads were blocked and usual evacuation paths were inaccessible.
Human Toll: Fatalities and Missing Children
Kerr County officials report 24 deaths, including residents and campers. The sheriff’s office calls the situation “catastrophic,” with many bodies found in the flooded river and destroyed campsites.
Over 20 young girls have gone missing from Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp in Texas. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced that 23 girls are unaccounted for out of over 700 attendees. He urged Texans to pray fervently for their safe return.
Camp Mystic leaders state that children not reached by phone are still missing. Some parents have received devastating calls confirming their daughters weren’t among those rescued from cabins and high grounds.
Massive Search and Rescue Effort Underway
Air and Ground Operations
Emergency teams launched a massive search with 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and many rescue boats. So far, they have rescued 237 people from floods or treetops, with 167 airlifted by helicopter. Numerous swift-water experts and volunteers are searching riverbanks filled with debris and submerged buildings.
Judge Rob Kelly emphasized the intense efforts to rescue children, highlighting scenes of rescuers rappelling into flooded areas and using inflatable boats to reach those stranded.
Federal and State Support
FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard are stepping up to support local efforts. FEMA is supplying mobile shelters, emergency generators, and coordinating logistics. Meanwhile, Coast Guard cutters and helicopters are aiding airlift missions. Texas state troopers and National Guard units are on the ground, securing high-risk areas and setting up search-and-rescue bases.
Community Reaction and Firsthand Accounts
Floodwaters caused panic and confusion among residents and campers. Thirteen-year-old camper Elinor Lester said, “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.” Nearby neighbors huddled in attics or climbed onto rooftops to escape the knee-deep currents that swept cars off roads.
Churches and civic groups are welcoming displaced families, providing food, blankets, and temporary shelter. Volunteers are organizing supply drives, gathering bottled water, non-perishable food, and hygiene kits for flood victims.
Infrastructure and Environmental Damage
Flooding has devastated rural infrastructure. Many county roads are still shut, with damaged asphalt and twisted guardrails. Bridges over creeks are underwater or structurally damaged, delaying their reopening.
Power outages hit thousands of homes and campsites, leaving many without electricity, Wi-Fi, or water. This disruption has made communication difficult for rescue teams, who now rely on satellite phones and radios to coordinate efforts.
The flood has spread silt and debris over farms, pastures, and parks, threatening water quality in wells and reservoirs. Environmental agencies expect days of cleanup to ensure safe drinking water and evaluate effects on river habitats.
Camp Operations Halted; Long-Term Safety Questions Raised
In light of the tragedy, many Texas Hill Country summer camps have halted activities for the weekend. Camp Mystic stated it will not resume until floodwaters lower and cabin inspections are done. This incident has ignited discussions on the location of youth camps in flood-risk river valleys, especially with changing weather and more severe storms. Local authorities plan to reassess emergency procedures, enhance early-warning systems, and rethink development rules for at-risk zones.
Weather Forecast and Continued Flash-Flood Risk
The National Weather Service warns of more rain in the next 24–48 hours, increasing flood risks on already soaked ground. Flash-flood watches are in effect from San Antonio to Waco. Officials urge residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow new emergency alerts.
Precautionary Measures
People living near creeks or in low areas should: Check weather updates on NOAA Radio or phone alerts. Move important items and documents to higher places. Pack emergency kits with food, water, flashlights, and batteries. Follow police directions on road closures and shelters.
International Consular Assistance
The Australian Consulate in Houston knows of some Australians nearby and is ready to assist. Due to privacy rules, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) can’t share more details, but they encourage Australians needing help to contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre at 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas..
Next Steps: Recovery, Review and Mitigation
Short-Term Recovery
Emergency teams will work tirelessly, day and night, until everyone missing is found or conditions halt recovery efforts. Temporary shelters are set up at community centers and fairgrounds for displaced families and campers. Mental health professionals are available to offer trauma counseling.
Mid-Term Infrastructure Repair
County engineers are evaluating road and bridge damage to reopen vital routes swiftly and safely. Power and water utilities are focusing on repairs to restore essential services, with timelines based on damage severity.
Long-Term Mitigation Strategies
Local and state agencies are assessing levees, retention basins, and levee setbacks for flood control on the Guadalupe River. They are considering investing in more rain gauges, river-level sensors, and alert systems to enhance early warnings. Zoning laws might be revised to limit new construction in flood-prone areas, and camp operators could be mandated to improve emergency evacuation plans.
Donate to local relief funds like the American Red Cross and Texas First Responders’ Fund to aid rescue and recovery. Volunteer if you have boating or swift-water rescue skills by registering with local emergency offices. Stay informed through official sources such as county emergency management, the National Weather Service, and local media for updates on road closures, shelter openings, and weather alerts.
Kerr County and nearby areas are working hard to rebuild homes and infrastructure while dealing with the emotional impact of lost lives and missing persons. Despite the devastation, stories of bravery, unity, and kindness are surfacing, giving hope that this close community will overcome the challenges.
READ MORE: Rescuers Locate Over 30 Survivors After Bali-Bound Ferry Sinks, Four Confirmed Dead
