(Credit: The San Antonio Express-News)
A sudden and powerful surge of water has swept through central Texas, leaving a tragic scene behind. As of Saturday, July 5, 2025, officials have confirmed that at least 27 people have died. Among the victims are nine children, a heartbreaking number that brings immense grief to the affected communities.
The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning. Heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to overflow its banks, turning calm areas into dangerous floodzones. The worst of it hit about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, impacting towns like Kerrville and Hunt. Many dozens of people are still missing, creating a tense and anxious wait for families hoping for any news.
One of the hardest-hit spots was Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls located right next to the Guadalupe River. Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerrville, stated at a press conference on Saturday morning that 27 children from the camp were initially unaccounted for. However, the news quickly worsened. The mother of 9-year-old Janie Hunt, one of the missing girls, heartbreakingly told CNN that her daughter had died.
The floods were caused by an unusual amount of rainfall in a very short time. In the town of Hunt, where Camp Mystic is located, 6.5 inches of rain fell in just three hours. This amount is usually seen over an entire month. Local officials have described this as a “100-year event,” meaning such severe flooding is only expected to happen once in a century.
Rescue teams have been working non-stop since Friday morning to find and help those caught in the rising waters. Larry Leatha, the Sheriff of Kerr County, reported that more than 850 people have already been rescued or evacuated. He assured the public that search efforts will continue without pause until every missing person is found. Teams are using specialized search dogs to comb through affected areas, looking for any sign of those swept away.
The severity of the situation has drawn attention from the nation’s capital. President Donald Trump posted on X, stating that his administration is actively working with Texas officials to manage the flood response. In a show of direct support, Kristie Noem, the Homeland Security Minister, is expected to travel to Texas very soon.
Adding to the worry, the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that more rain is on its way to Texas. They issued a flood watch for the remainder of Saturday, meaning the danger is far from over. Communities now face the immense task of recovery and rebuilding after such a swift and devastating natural event.
Source: axios