Disaster in Kerrville: More Than 20 Missing, Including Camp Mystic Girls, After Catastrophic Flash Flooding

KERRVILLE, TEXAS — July 4, 2025 — A catastrophic flash flood has triggered a widespread emergency in Kerrville, Texas, leaving more than 20 people missing, including young girls from the renowned Camp Mystic summer program. The Guadalupe River, normally calm this time of year, surged over 26 feet in a matter of hours late Thursday night, swallowing roads, washing away cabins, and catching residents and campers completely off guard.

What began as a typical summer evening quickly turned deadly as torrential rain blanketed the Texas Hill Country. According to the National Weather Service, the region experienced historic rainfall rates, causing the river to rapidly overflow and submerge entire sections of Kerr County, especially along the Guadalupe River Trail.

Camp Mystic Under Water, Families Desperate for Updates

Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a private, all-girls summer camp that draws families from across Texas and beyond. Authorities say cabins on the river’s edge were swept away around 3 a.m., when the water rose with such speed and force that evacuations became nearly impossible.

Several girls and staff members were rescued by first responders using boats and helicopters. However, many remain unaccounted for, and with spotty cell service, families are still awaiting word on their loved ones.

“We don’t know where our daughter is,” said one parent who had driven from Houston after learning about the flooding. “She’s only 12. We dropped her off for a week of fun, and now we’re living a nightmare.”

Search-and-rescue operations have been underway for more than 24 hours. Teams from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the National Guard are combing the area by air and water, focusing on river bends, submerged roads, and debris piles where people could be trapped or stranded.

Infrastructure Damaged, Roads Cut Off

In addition to Camp Mystic, numerous homes and ranches along the river were severely damaged. TX-39 and FM 1340 remain closed due to high water, mudslides, and washed-out bridges. Power and water outages have been reported across western Kerrville.

Emergency officials say more rainfall is expected overnight, and the river could rise again if upstream flow continues.

“The situation remains extremely dangerous,” said Kerr County Emergency Coordinator Heather Blackwell. “This is a life-threatening emergency. We urge everyone to stay indoors, avoid floodwaters, and follow all emergency alerts.”

Community Rallies as Tensions Rise

Local churches, schools, and businesses have opened their doors as temporary shelters. The Kerr County Emergency Operations Center has set up a reunification center for parents and families at Hill Country Youth Event Center, and grief counselors have been brought in to assist.

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency, releasing a statement Friday morning:

“Our hearts are with the families of the missing. Texas is mobilizing all available resources to support local agencies and bring loved ones home safely.”

Meanwhile, volunteers have joined the search, using personal boats and drones to scan hard-to-reach areas. Social media is flooded with photos of missing campers and desperate calls for information, as families cling to hope for a miracle.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials will launch a full investigation into the flood response, as well as the emergency protocols followed at Camp Mystic. Questions are already surfacing about whether enough advance warnings were issued and whether campers had proper evacuation procedures in place.

This marks one of the worst flood disasters in Texas in recent years, with its full toll still unknown.

The Guadalupe River remains swollen, and the weather forecast offers little relief. Authorities say the next 48 hours will be critical in determining how many lives were lost and how many might still be saved.

If you have any information on the missing or have seen stranded individuals along the Guadalupe River, please call the Kerr County EOC at (830) XXX-XXXX.