Texas floods kill 24 people and leave many missing from girls' summer camp

July 5, 2025

A devastating flash flood in Texas has killed at least 24 people and left numerous girls missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp outside Kerrville. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour, sweeping away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins during the 4th of July weekend. Emergency crews are conducting extensive search and rescue operations for up to 25 missing children among the 750 girls attending the camp.

Who is affected

Up to 25 children from Camp Mystic (among 750 girls attending the camp)
Residents of Kerrville and surrounding areas
People staying in mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins for the 4th of July weekend
Residents of an RV park in Kerrville
Communities in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions
Families of victims and missing persons

What action is being taken

A major search and rescue operation is continuing through the night
Rescue crews are searching for missing children from Camp Mystic
Helicopters, drones, and boats are being deployed in search operations
The White House has pledged additional assistance
Texas officials are providing updates to parents about their children's status
A state of emergency has been declared in several counties

Why it matters

At least 24 people have died in the disaster
Up to 25 children are missing from a summer camp
The flood was unprecedented, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in less than an hour
Critical infrastructure has been destroyed, including roads and communication lines
The area lacked a warning system, contributing to the high casualty rate
The flooding surpassed a historic 1987 flood that killed 10 teenagers
The National Weather Service failed to predict the severity of the rainfall

What's next

Search and rescue operations will continue until everyone is accounted for
Officials are warning people who don't live in the area to stay away
Residents near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River are being told to move to higher ground
Authorities remain concerned about the weather conditions

Read full article from source: BBC