Central Texas is emerging from one of the deadliest flash floods in state history, with at least 82 confirmed deaths as of Monday night and more than 40 still missing. Starting on the July 4 weekend, the devastating Texas flooding overwhelmed communities across the Hill country and prompted emergency responses across the state. The initial festive celebrations quickly turned into a nightmare.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yagtpnf7xh0
Flooding began after a series of intense thunderstorms stagnated in the region from July 4 to 6. Rare fusion of meteorological conditions causes low-pressure systems to fuse water-containing air on the mountain. In some areas, the total amount of rainfall exceeds 20 inches in less than 24 hours. This time the excessive rainfall flooded the barbecue, compacting the soil, which had little ability to absorb water due to the drought.
On the Kerr County, the Guadalupe River (usually a gentle and scenic waterway) stretches over 20 feet in less than two hours. This sudden rise even caught experienced residents off guard. The combination of terrain, rapid rainfall and early warnings of insufficient turn easily managed weather events into deadly flash floods.
This is not just a typical flood. It is a block of water that passes through the valley and swallows up the roads, houses and everything on the paths. Witnesses described the sound as a roaring freight train. The National Weather Service issued six flash flood emergency situations in the area warning that life-threatening conditions are coming.
The community is flooded
The entire community has experienced complete flooding. Cars floated on the street with bath toys. The family climbed up the roof and waved for help, and the helicopter and the boat arrived. In just a few hours, the town of the Texas Mountain Country turned into an island, isolated from the rest of the world. Schools, churches and city centers as community moderators were flooded, causing widespread damage.
Emergency calls surge
The residents described the deafening moment of the water. One survivor likens it to a freight train roaring in the valley. The roads collapsed, the houses surfaced, and the power lines broke like branches. In the chaos, emergency dispatchers process hundreds of calls per hour while working to coordinate weather deterioration.
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Mysterious Tragedy Camp: Missing Children
The most heartbreaking blow of the flood hit the mysterious camp, a beloved Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River. Founded in 1926, the camp is a precious summer destination for generations of families. But at around 4 a.m. on July 4, the quiet campground turned into a scene of chaos and horror.
The camper was shocked by the counselor, and the yelling water roared over the cottage door. Staff scrambled to take the girl to higher ground. Unfortunately, the water moves faster than anyone expected. It crushed the wooden house and washed away the main access road to the camp.
Identified and missing victims
At the time of this report, 11 campers and one counselor remained missing. Heartbroken parents gathered around, clinging to hope, while the search team worked tirelessly in the dirt and debris. Some families have held emotional gatherings. But for others, the painful wait continues. Floods carry debris intricately recover and identify work. Currently, rescue divers and corpse dogs are combing the surrounding forests, fields and river banks.
The confirmed victims include Lila Bonner, Eloise Peck, Sarah Marsh and Renee Smajstrla, aged 8 to 9 years. Other children confirmed their deceased include Janie Hunt, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, Linnie McCown, Linnie McCown and Geeta Poranzo. Camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland and Heart O’The Hills Camp co-owner Jane Ragsdale died while trying to protect others.
The missing includes Mary Grace Baker, Anna Margaret Bellows, Molly DeWitt, Katherine Feruzzo, Ellen Getten, Hadley Hanna, Virginia Hollis, Lainey Landry, Kellyanne Lytal, Blakely McCrory, Emma Moreau, Wynne Naylor, Abby Pohl, Cile Steward, Margaret Sheedy, and Greta Toranzo—most of them just 8 or 9 years old.Their families continued to gather in prayer circles near the scene, holding hope.
Emergency Statement and Federal Response
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency and activated all available state resources, taking action quickly. On July 6, he designated the day as a statewide prayer day, urging Texans to come together to support and commemorate.
President Donald Trump then issued a federal disaster declaration, unlocking much-needed federal aid. FEMA deploys response teams, mobile command centers and the worst-case county supply. Thousands of residents are displaced. Therefore, the temporary shelter is operating at full capacity. Now, emergency distribution centers provide food, sanitation kits, blankets and important medicines.
Coordinated rescue work
The disaster has tested the limitations of emergency infrastructure. The rescue team conducted more than 850 water rescues, retrieving stranded residents from roofs, trees and flooded vehicles. The Texas National Guard coordinated with local teams to expand the search efforts. Specialized search dogs, sonar devices and thermal imaging drones continue to help crew members find survivors and victims. Emergency air freight also transported seriously injured survivors to trauma centers in Austin and San Antonio.
Early warning system failed under review
Despite flash flood warnings in the early morning, many residents never received an alarm. In remote areas such as Mystic Camp, mobile phone services are weak. As a result, the warning system failed to attract many people.
Now, meteorologists and first responders blame the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service for the near-term budget. These agencies have suffered from reduced personnel and outdated equipment, which limits their ability to issue timely and accurate warnings.
Company and community support
Even in such a sad situation, the resilience of the Texas community shines. Residents provide support in every possible way. Local churches, schools and businesses are transformed into emergency shelters. Volunteers continue to prepare meals, distribute supplies and assist in cleaning up debris.
Several Texas-based companies have also strengthened:
- Shib Deploy mobile relief units to provide basic supply.
- USAA Donated $500,000 and sent employees to help resume operations.
- AT&T Set up a mobile connection station to restore the communication service.
And, individuals show incredible generosity. The family opened their homes for displaced neighbors. Children are organizing fundraising events. Meanwhile, the animal shelter has launched a foster care program for pets separated from their owners.
Continuous weather risks and rescue efforts
Meteorologists warned of continued rainfall in the coming days, and updated models suggest another storm system could bring several inches of rain to already damaged areas. As the ground remains saturated, any new precipitation can lead to more mountain flooding, mudslides and road collapses.
The National Weather Service put several counties under flood surveillance, while emergency management officials continued to issue evacuation consultations if needed. Emergency siren have been rebooted in certain areas as a precautionary measure, and local authorities urge residents to take these alerts seriously.
Authorities also stressed that even areas not affected by initial floods are at risk due to rising water levels and weakened infrastructure. Many roads remain closed due to damage, potholes or debris, greatly delaying the allocation of emergency services and assistance.
Helicopters are now using it more often in remote or isolated communities. Meanwhile, state police officers and National Guard have been sent to monitor traffic, enforce safety areas, and prevent robbery in evacuation areas.
Focus on mental health and infrastructure
The recovery team also focuses on infrastructure and emotional recovery. Utilities are recovering power and water. Mental health consultants are helping survivors, especially children, process trauma. In addition, grief counselors and spiritual leaders have been deployed in shelters and community centers.
Meanwhile, engineers are assessing damage to bridges, flood barriers and water supply systems. These checks will help determine how long recovery may take.
A country of mourning, a country of shock
Deep in emotional hurt. Sorrowful families and traumatized communities find comfort in candlelight vigils, memorial walls and public prayers. All over Texas, support and solace are provided.
Messages of solidarity have poured in from all over the world. Pope Leo XIV described the flood as “the sadness that touched every corner of the world.”
While rebuilding will take time and heal longer, the Texans once again show that they are the strongest when they stand together.
