Flash Floods in Texas Kill 24, Dozens Missing from Girls Camp on Independence Day

At least 24 people have died and more than 25 are still missing, including children at a girls’ summer camp, after sudden flash floods swept through central Texas on Independence Day, officials said.

The disaster struck areas near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio. According to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, federal assistance has been offered and emergency crews are working nonstop.

President Donald Trump called the flooding “shocking and terrible” and assured support for those affected.

Sudden and Devastating

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said the water rose rapidly, with the Guadalupe River climbing 26 feet in just 45 minutes. “It was a destructive flood, taking property and, sadly, lives,” he stated.

A rescue operation is ongoing, involving:

• 14 helicopters

• 12 drones

• 9 rescue teams

• Around 500 personnel on the ground
  Patrick urged the public not to interfere with personal drones or helicopters, saying professional equipment is already in use.

Girls’ Camp Hit by Flood

One of the worst-affected locations is Camp Mystic, where over 20 girls remain unaccounted for. Wardens from Texas Parks and Wildlife have reached the camp, but communication remains difficult due to signal outages in the area.

So far, 237 people have been rescued, said Maj Gen Thomas Suelzer, who confirmed the use of military vehicles and rescue swimmers to pull people from high water zones.

Lack of Warning System Blamed

During a press conference, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly was questioned about the lack of evacuation.
“We didn’t know this flood was coming. No one did,” he said, adding that the area does not have a flood warning system.

He compared this flood to the tragic 1987 event, where 10 teenagers died in a similar incident near Comfort, Texas. Officials say Friday’s flooding was far worse.

Residents Devastated

The Kerrville Breaking News Facebook group became a hub for desperate families trying to find missing loved ones.
One mother posted that she had not heard from her daughter and son-in-law, whose home was swept away. Others from nearby cities, like Austin, said they had lost contact with elderly relatives.

Images show bridges submerged, roads turned into rivers, and rescue helicopters airlifting people from flooded zones.

Warnings Continue

With more rain forecasted, residents near creeks, rivers, and low-lying areas have been told to evacuate immediately.
“This is not the time to take chances,” warned Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “Do not drive through flooded roads.”

Disaster declarations have been issued for the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions, and more assistance is being mobilized.

Related Tragedy in New Jersey

In a separate incident, three people died in New Jersey after strong storms on Thursday night.

• A 79-year-old man and a 25-year-old were killed when a tree fell on their car in Plainfield.

• A 44-year-old woman died in North Plainfield when another tree crashed onto her vehicle.

This is a developing story, and rescue efforts are expected to continue throughout the weekend.