Texas Floods Turn Deadly: At Least 24 Killed, Children Missing from Summer Camp

Image Credentials: Image Title: Texas Floods Turn Deadly: At Least 24 Killed, Children Missing from Summer Camp Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: July 2025  Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.

By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies

Hunt, Texas – The aftermath of devastating floods in central Texas continues to unfold, with at least 24 confirmed dead, many more missing, and widespread destruction in the wake of a massive storm that struck the Texas Hill Country in the early hours of Friday. Rescue operations are still ongoing, and officials fear the death toll may continue to rise.

The heavy rains, which amounted to several months’ worth in just a matter of hours, caused catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River. Over 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain fell in central Kerr County, which led to flash flooding and left many people trapped in the fast-moving waters.

Among the missing are more than 20 young girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Elinor Lester, 13, was one of the lucky ones who was airlifted to safety along with her cabin mates. She described the terrifying moment when a raging storm woke up their cabin at 1:30 a.m., and they were forced to cross a bridge with floodwaters rising around their knees.

Texas floods: At least 24 dead and more than 20 children missing from summer camp https://t.co/XjwbzR7MT8 pic.twitter.com/jGOvywGAUg

— The Independent (@Independent) July 5, 2025

“The camp was destroyed,” said Lester. “A helicopter landed, and they started taking people away. It was really scary.”

As of Friday evening, search and rescue teams had rescued 237 people, 167 of them by helicopter. However, the situation remains fluid, with dozens still unaccounted for, including the missing children from the summer camp.

Flash Floods and Heroic Rescues

The floods were triggered by a sudden surge of water that caused the Guadalupe River to rise at an alarming rate. A river gauge in Hunt recorded a staggering 22-foot rise in just two hours. By the time the gauge reached 29 and a half feet, it failed.

Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office, emphasized the ferocity of the flooding. “The water’s moving so fast, you’re not going to recognize how bad it is until it’s on top of you.”

Social media became a key platform for desperate loved ones seeking information about people caught in the flood zone. On the Kerr County sheriff’s office Facebook page, people posted pictures of missing individuals and begged for help in locating them.

In Ingram, Erin Burgess and her son, along with her boyfriend and dog, were swept into the floodwaters. After clinging to a tree for safety, they waited in agony for the water to recede enough to reach higher ground. Thankfully, they were able to escape, but Burgess recounted the harrowing ordeal, describing it as “a pitch black wall of death.”

Community Coming Together Amidst Despair

As the search for survivors continues, the community is coming together to provide support. A reunification center set up in Ingram saw families anxiously awaiting news of loved ones. There were tears and cheers as evacuees made it to safety, some carried by soldiers and rescuers, and others clutching small pets or personal belongings.

Barry Adelman, 54, described how water forced his entire family into the attic of his three-story house, including his elderly grandmother and young grandson. “I was horrified,” he said. “I had to tell my grandson everything was going to be OK, but inside I was scared to death.”

Unpredictable Weather and Lack of Warning Systems

Though weather forecasts had predicted heavy rain, the intensity and speed of the flooding caught many by surprise. Bob Fogarty, the meteorologist, explained that the storm developed quickly, and by the time it hit, it was too late for many people to escape the rising floodwaters.

Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official of Kerr County, admitted that the area lacks an adequate warning system. “We do not have a warning system,” Kelly said, acknowledging the limitations in the county’s emergency preparedness. “No one knew this kind of flood was coming.”

“Flash Flood Alley” and the Risk of Repeated Disasters

The Texas Hill Country, an area popular with tourists for its scenic river views and summer camps, is also known as “flash flood alley” due to its susceptibility to sudden, violent flooding. Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, explained that the area’s thin soil layer causes water to rush downhill, exacerbating flood risks.

“It’s a beautiful river, but when it rains, the water doesn’t soak in,” said Dickson. “It rushes down the hill.”

The region is a popular destination for families, with many river homes and rental cabins lining the Guadalupe River. It is also home to several well-known summer camps, like Camp Mystic, that draw children from across the country each year.

A Community in Crisis

The Texas Hill Country now faces a long recovery process, with damaged homes, displaced residents, and a community shaken by the loss of life. Emergency response teams, volunteers, and local organizations have already begun providing relief, and donations are being collected to assist nonprofits working in the aftermath of the disaster.

But even as the waters recede, the full extent of the damage is yet to be known. As the search for survivors continues, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of flash floods in this beautiful but dangerous region.

Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant as they monitor river levels and issue further warnings in the coming days.