Flash Floods Devastate Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic

Leave a CommentFlash Floods Devastate Guadalupe River, Camp MysticDisaster, Water, Weather

On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flash floods struck the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, killing at least 51 people and leaving 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.

The disaster unfolded rapidly, with the river surging 26 feet in 45 minutes due to 6–12 inches of overnight rain. Below is a timeline of events, emergency response, and safety tips for flash floods.

Timeline of Events:

July 3, 2025, Early Afternoon–Evening:

  • The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a flood watch for Kerr County and parts of south-central Texas, forecasting 3–8 inches of rain due to a slow-moving storm system. Warnings indicate potential for flash flooding, but the intensity is underestimated.
  • AccuWeather and NWS send alerts about possible flash flooding, which some argue should have prompted earlier evacuations of camps like Camp Mystic.

July 4, 2025, 1:00–4:30 AM:

  • Torrential rains, with rates up to 12 inches per hour, dump 5–15 inches across Kerr County. The Guadalupe River surges from 7.5 feet to nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes near Hunt, surpassing the 1987 flood’s severity.
  • Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls hosting ~750 campers, is inundated. Cabins near the river are ravaged, and the camp loses power, water, and Wi-Fi.

July 4, 2025, 4:03–5:34 AM:

  • NWS Austin/San Antonio issues a Flash Flood Emergency for Kerr County, an “exceedingly rare” alert signaling severe threat to life. Alerts urge residents to seek higher ground immediately.
  • Flooding begins around 4:00 AM, catching residents and campers off guard. Reports emerge of homes, cars, and RVs swept away.

July 4, 2025, Morning–Afternoon:

  • Emergency response ramps up. Texas National Guard deploys 14 helicopters, rescuing 237 people, 167 by air. Texas Game Wardens reach Camp Mystic by vehicle to evacuate campers.
  • Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reports at least 24 deaths and 20–25 missing Camp Mystic campers. Other individuals, including visitors for July 4th, are unaccounted for.
  • Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick notes ~23 missing campers and urges residents not to self-deploy, as over 500 responders are active.
  • Videos show catastrophic damage: submerged cabins, overturned canoes, and debris along the river.

July 4, 2025, Evening:

  • Governor Greg Abbott declares a disaster for 15 Central Texas counties, ensuring access to state resources. He emphasizes nonstop search efforts.
  • President Donald Trump, aboard Air Force One, calls the flooding “terrible” and pledges federal aid, stating, “Whatever we need, we will have.”
  • Kerrville Police report heavy traffic near the Guadalupe River and vow to continue searches until all are accounted for.

July 5, 2025, Morning–Afternoon:

  • Death toll rises to 43 in Kerr County (28 adults, 15 children), with 12 adults and 5 children unidentified. 27 girls from Camp Mystic remain missing, and others (non-campers) may also be unaccounted for.
  • Over 850 people have been rescued, including many clinging to trees. Search efforts involve 1,000+ personnel, helicopters, drones, boats, and heat-detection equipment.
  • Abbott expands the disaster declaration to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis, and Williamson counties. He requests a federal disaster declaration, which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says President Trump will honor.
  • NWS issues new flash flood warnings for areas like Burnet and Travis Counties, with 3–10 inches of rain reported and more expected.
  • Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly notes the lack of river warning systems and defends local response, saying the flood’s speed was unprecedented.

July 5, 2025, Evening:

  • Some reports indicate the death toll may be as high as 50–52 across Central Texas, with 43 confirmed in Kerr County. Reuters notes 4 deaths in Travis County and 1 in Kendall County, though these are unconfirmed.
  • Search efforts focus on Camp Mystic, where cabins were “horrendously ravaged.” Parents post photos online, seeking missing loved ones.
  • Kerrville opens a second reunification center at Calvary Temple Church for non-Camp Mystic missing persons.

July 6, 2025, Morning (as of 08:26 AM EDT):

  • No major updates on the death toll or missing persons since late July 5. The focus remains on rescuing 27 missing Camp Mystic girls and others unaccounted for.
  • Abbott reiterates that responders assume all missing are alive, emphasizing urgency: “Every minute counts.” Over 850 rescues are confirmed, with operations ongoing 24/7.
  • More rain is forecast, raising concerns about further flooding in saturated areas. NWS warns of continued flash flood risks in west-central Texas.

Emergency Response and Presidential Assistance:

Response Efforts:

The Texas National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and Texas Division of Emergency Management are heavily involved. Over 1,000 personnel, 14+ helicopters from the Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard, boats, and drones are deployed. Rescues include people stranded in trees, on rooftops, and in flooded homes. Specialized equipment like heat detectors aids searches.

Federal Support:

President Trump has committed to federal aid, coordinating with Governor Abbott. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirms Trump will honor Abbott’s federal disaster declaration, unlocking FEMA resources. The U.S. Coast Guard has saved or assisted 223 lives.

Challenges:

Damaged infrastructure (washed-out highways, power outages affecting 2,500 in Kerr County) and ongoing rain complicate rescues. The lack of river gauges or warning systems north of Kerrville is criticized, though NWS defends its timely alerts.

Tips for Flash Flood Safety:

  1. Seek Higher Ground: Move to elevated areas immediately if near rivers or streams.
  2. Avoid Driving: Do not drive through flooded roads; 6 inches of water can sweep away vehicles.
  3. Stay Informed: Monitor weather alerts via phone or radio.
  4. Evacuate Early: If warned, leave low-lying areas before flooding starts.

The tragedy underscores the unpredictability of flash floods, with ongoing efforts to find survivors and support affected families.