The Texas Hill Country and Concho Valley are reeling from the aftermath of a catastrophic flash flood that claimed the lives of at least 82 people, including 28 children.
The flood, which occurred in the early hours of July 5, 2025, swept through Livonia and surrounding areas, inundating homes, camps, and entire communities. As families sifting through debris face heart-wrenching losses, authorities continue their search for survivors and the missing.
Desperate Search and Rescue Efforts
Rescue crews, battling high waters and difficult terrain, are working tirelessly to locate missing individuals. Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic—an all-girls summer camp—was among the hardest-hit areas.
68 bodies have been found in the county, including 28 children, with many still unaccounted for. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that 41 people are still missing across the state, and the search continues.
In the wake of the flooding, heavy rain continued to fall on Sunday, prolonging the danger and complicating rescue efforts. Crews are using helicopters, boats, and drones to search the flooded areas, rescuing over 850 people in the first 36 hours following the disaster.
Camp Mystic: A Heartbreaking Loss
At Camp Mystic, the situation was particularly tragic. 10 girls and a counselor were among those missing after floodwaters inundated the campgrounds.
Families and rescuers, including helicopters and ground crews, searched through the wreckage of waterlogged cabins and riverside debris, hoping to find survivors. Many survivors shared terrifying accounts of being swept away by floodwaters, clinging to trees and praying for safety.
The camp, which had hosted many families for its Independence Day celebrations, became a focal point for the rescue operations. Survivors and their families, devastated by the loss, walked through the wreckage—some carrying belongings like a blue footlocker or looking through the debris with tears streaming down their faces.
National and International Response
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, officially activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In his statement, Trump expressed his grief, calling the event “absolutely horrible” and offering support to the families affected by the tragedy.
Pope Leo XIV, in a show of international solidarity, also expressed his condolences for the victims of the flood. Speaking in English during his Sunday blessing, the Pope offered prayers for those lost and for the families, particularly the young girls at Camp Mystic.
Warnings and Preparedness
While there were warnings in place for potential flooding, the intensity of the rain took many by surprise. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings on Thursday and sent out urgent flash flood emergency alerts just hours before the flood hit.
Despite some local efforts to move campers to higher ground—like at Mo-Ranch Camp—the scale of the downpour exceeded expectations, leading to unprecedented destruction.
In areas like Kerrville, officials are now reviewing the effectiveness of emergency response systems, including how the public was alerted about the storm. Local leaders have promised a full investigation into the handling of the event.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of life, particularly among children, has left a permanent scar on the community. Families are devastated by the loss of their loved ones, and many have shared how the twins at Camp Mystic had a special bond, with stories of love and care between the siblings.
As the search continues, residents and first responders alike remain hopeful that more survivors can be found, but the grim reality is that the death toll will likely rise in the coming days. Gov. Greg Abbott has declared Sunday a day of prayer, asking all Texans to join together in support for the victims and their families.
Looking Ahead
Despite the ongoing challenges, authorities are committed to continuing their efforts to find the missing, provide aid to the survivors, and restore the communities affected by the flash floods.
With more rain expected, the recovery will be slow and difficult, but Texas is determined to support the families and rebuild what has been lost.