NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Catastrophic flooding in central Texas has killed at least 25 people and left more than 20 girls missing after a flash flood swept through Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River.
Torrential rains early Friday morning caused the river to rise nearly 30 feet in under an hour, catching residents and camp staff off guard. The Texas National Guard was immediately deployed to aid in rescue operations.
According to state officials, 24 people were confirmed dead in Kerr County and another in Kendall County. Hundreds of others were forced to flee the rising water.
Christian Summer Camp Hit Hardest
Camp Mystic, located near Hunt, Texas, bore the brunt of the disaster. With over 750 attendees on site at the time of the flood, at least 23 to 25 individuals remain unaccounted for, most of them young girls.
“This is one of the worst flood emergencies we’ve seen in years,” said Major General Thomas Suelzer. He confirmed that 237 people had been safely evacuated from the area, including 167 rescued by helicopter.
Federal and State Response Mobilizes
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency and confirmed coordination between state and federal agencies. In a Friday evening press conference, he said that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had offered full support.
“The federal government is leaning in and wants to assist the community here in the heart of Texas,” Abbott said.
Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn both expressed condolences and promised federal aid. “Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic,” Cruz posted on X.
Families Await News, Roads Remain Blocked
Among the missing are Greta Toranzo and Hadley Hanna, both campers at Mystic. Their mothers confirmed their daughters’ disappearance to Fox News Digital.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick urged families not to enter the flood zone. “We have ten buses ready to reunite children with parents as soon as roads clear,” he said. “I know the instinct is to get there now—but it’s dangerous.”
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a formal disaster declaration. Emergency shelters have been activated, and the Red Cross is assisting with operations.
Power Outages and Local Infrastructure Overwhelmed
The Kerrville Public Utility Board reported nearly 3,000 homes without power by Friday night. Local funeral homes have also begun preparing for what officials described as a “mass casualty event.”
The Kerrville Police Department announced that a local Walmart has been designated as a family reunification center. Water rescue teams continue operating through the night, with the Texas National Guard leading aerial search missions.
Rescue Operations to Continue Through the Weekend
Governor Abbott posted online that the state has mobilized “all available resources,” including the Department of Public Safety, EMS units, and additional National Guard teams.
“The immediate priority is saving lives,” he wrote.
Search and rescue efforts will continue into the weekend as officials work to recover the missing and stabilize the area.
