KERR COUNTY, USA — A devastating flash flood in central Texas has claimed the lives of at least 43 people, including 15 children, as hundreds of rescuers continue a desperate search for survivors, particularly near a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
The disaster unfolded in the early hours of Friday, July 4, 2025, when torrential rains caused the river to rise more than 26 feet (8 metres) in less than an hour, overwhelming riverside communities and sweeping away homes, vehicles, and people.
At the heart of the crisis is Camp Mystic, a prominent all-girls’ Christian summer camp in Kerr County, where 27 children remain unaccounted for.
Authorities confirmed that some families have already identified their daughters among the dead.
“The work continues, and will continue, until everyone is found,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, vowing that the search remains a rescue effort, not a recovery operation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Saturday, signed an expanded disaster declaration to mobilise more resources.
“We will stop when the job is completed,” Abbott said.
“We will be relentless in locating every single person who’s been a victim of this event.”
The sudden rise in water levels left Camp Mystic in ruins. Pictures show teddy bears, sleeping bags, and mattresses coated in mud.
Many of the missing children were under the age of 12, according to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
An email sent to parents by Camp Mystic stated that if they had not been contacted, their child was safe. However, the tragedy has already struck multiple families.
A special mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in memory of the victims and in prayer for the missing.
Rachel Reed, who drove five hours from Dallas to retrieve her daughter, told the BBC that members of her church and her daughter’s school district were among the dead and missing.
“The families of those campers are living every parent’s worst nightmare,” she said. “Of course, it could have been me.”
Jonathan and Brittany Rojas, whose relatives’ home was swept away, said a mother and baby were still missing. The teenage son, Leo, survived after getting entangled in barbed wire.
Nearby, a devastated Anthony waded through his mud-filled apartment. His only salvageable possessions were childhood photos and a baby blanket.
“I lost everything I own,” he told the BBC. “Now I’m trying to figure things out.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration was working closely with local officials.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the Coast Guard would join search and rescue efforts.
The National Weather Service has warned that more rainfall is expected through the weekend, with 2 to 5 inches forecast across central Texas — and up to 10 inches possible in some areas already impacted by Friday’s storm.
So far, more than 850 people have been rescued from affected areas. Flash flood warnings remain in effect as emergency services continue to comb the riverbanks and submerged homes.
The death toll is expected to rise as the search continues. Officials say they remain hopeful but acknowledge the immense challenge posed by debris and dangerous currents along the Guadalupe River.
