Flash floods in central Texas have left at least 81 confirmed dead, with 41 more people still missing following devastating floods on Friday, July 5, 2025.
The flooding, which hit Kerr County hardest, has caused widespread damage and loss of life, with the worst-hit areas being Camp Mystic and surrounding communities along the Guadalupe River.
Kerr County: The Heart of the Devastation
In Kerr County, where the riverside Camp Mystic was overwhelmed by floodwaters, the majority of the casualties have been reported.
Among the 68 fatalities, 28 were children. Ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing. The Guadalupe River rose by an astonishing 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, catching many campers and residents asleep when the floodwaters surged.
Many of the missing and dead were young campers, and the camp’s longtime director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, is among those confirmed dead. Search efforts are ongoing, with volunteers, including Greg Froelick, a former Navy SEAL, joining the rescue operations.
Froelick mentioned to the BBC that items from the camp, including clothing, have been found scattered up to 8 miles downriver.
Destruction Across Multiple Counties
In addition to Kerr County, other counties affected by the flooding include Travis, Burnet, Williamson, Kendall, and Tom Green, which together account for the remaining fatalities.
In total, there have been five confirmed deaths in Travis County, three in Burnet, two in Williamson, two in Kendall, and one in Tom Green County. Local authorities have emphasized that the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Search and Rescue Efforts Amid Challenges
Despite dangerous conditions, including high waters, venomous snakes, and treacherous terrain, rescuers are pushing forward with their efforts.
As three days have passed since the floods, the operation is shifting towards a recovery phase. Authorities remain focused on Camp Mystic and surrounding areas, where the search for survivors continues.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured the public on Sunday that the search will continue without pause. He expressed his sorrow, calling the scene “nothing short of horrific” after his tour of the area. Local authorities, along with FEMA and emergency teams, are committed to finding every person who is still unaccounted for.
Community Response and International Support
As the community grapples with the devastation, local residents have been stepping up to provide relief. Alma Garcia, a resident of San Antonio, drove to Kerr County to deliver home-cooked meals to both residents and volunteers helping with the cleanup.
Perla, another local, gathered clothes and shoes for those in need after working a shift at Walmart. She said, “I’ve never seen something like this before.”
Meanwhile, well-wishers from around the world have shown their support. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for the victims, particularly for the girls from Camp Mystic who perished in the flood.
“I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones… We pray for them,” the Pope said during his Sunday blessing.
President Trump’s Response and Federal Aid
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, activating FEMA to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts.
He also stated that he would likely visit the state on Friday, though he acknowledged that his presence would likely hinder recovery efforts. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible,” Trump commented as he boarded Air Force One to return to Washington, D.C.