KERRVILLE, TEXAS (AP) — The death toll from catastrophic flash floods that swept through Central Texas during the Fourth of July weekend has climbed to at least 82, including dozens of children, with authorities still searching for ten missing campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic. The floods, which struck the Guadalupe River region outside of San Antonio, left widespread devastation, sparking a massive rescue and recovery effort. The tragic event has raised questions regarding flood preparedness and emergency response.

A Devastating Flood: How it All Unfolded

The flash floods began in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, catching many residents and visitors off guard. The Texas Hill Country, known for its dry terrain and soil that does not absorb rain well, became a critical factor in the flood’s rapid escalation. A heavy storm dropped an astonishing 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain, most of which fell during the night when many people were asleep.

The weather system that brought this deluge overwhelmed the region in a matter of hours, sending torrents of water rushing down hills and into the Guadalupe River. The river, already swollen from the heavy rain, quickly surged another 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes. This caused a rapid flood surge, submerging entire neighborhoods, campgrounds, and rural areas.

While flood watches had been issued the previous day, the scale and speed of the flash floods caught most by surprise. The National Weather Service had escalated its warning around 4 a.m., indicating a severe threat to human life and potential catastrophic damage. Yet by the time the warning reached the public, many people were already caught in the raging waters.

The Search for Missing Campers: The Heartbreaking Discovery

Among the most tragic aspects of this disaster is the fate of the campers and staff at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. At least 10 girls and one counselor remain missing after the floods swept through the campgrounds. The disappearance of the campers, many of whom were from nearby cities and states, has turned what was once a joyous summer retreat into a scene of unimaginable grief.

As of Sunday afternoon, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 68 people, including 28 children, had been confirmed dead in Kerr County alone. The toll climbed to 79 by Sunday evening, with fatalities in nearby counties. The body count is expected to rise as search-and-recovery efforts continue.

The ongoing search for the missing campers, including those from Camp Mystic, has become a focal point for authorities. The community is now grappling with the heart-wrenching reality that many families may never be reunited with their loved ones.

One of the survivors, a young girl who managed to escape the floodwaters, described the scene at the camp as a “pitch-black wall of death.” She said that she did not receive any warning about the flood and only realized the severity of the situation when the water started rising too quickly to escape.

The Human Cost: Families Reeling from the Loss

The flooding has left a devastating impact on families, many of whom were on vacation or attending camps for the holiday weekend. For many of the families affected, the Fourth of July festivities turned into a nightmare. As recovery operations continue, it has become increasingly clear that entire communities have been affected by the tragedy.

In Kerr County, a community that thrives on tourism and outdoor activities, many families have lost everything. Homes have been destroyed, and businesses have been washed away, with some residents still missing. The destruction in the region is monumental, with entire neighborhoods submerged, and essential services like water, electricity, and communications disrupted.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for Kerr County and surrounding areas, and the National Guard has been deployed to assist with search and recovery. “This is the worst flood we’ve seen in this area in decades,” Abbott said in a statement. “Our state will do everything we can to help these communities rebuild.”

Concerns Over Emergency Alerts: Why Did So Many People Remain Unaware?

As the rescue efforts intensify, there have been growing concerns over the delayed flood alerts and the lack of early warnings. Many survivors have described receiving no warning about the flash floods, while others stated that they only heard about the danger too late to take preventive action.

Sheriff Larry Leitha admitted that authorities were caught off guard by the rapid escalation of the floodwaters. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who lives near the Guadalupe River, described the flood as a “100-year flood,” referring to the rarity and severity of the event. “Nobody saw this coming,” Kelly said. “The scale of this disaster is unprecedented.”

Critics have raised questions about the timing of the flood alerts, with some local officials admitting that more could have been done to warn residents sooner. Authorities noted that the public often becomes fatigued by repeated flood warnings, which may have contributed to the delayed reaction.

In the wake of the disaster, there are discussions about implementing a more robust flood warning system, similar to tornado alerts, which could provide more immediate, actionable information to residents. However, some county officials have pointed to the financial costs of upgrading the flood alert system, noting that some residents have pushed back against funding for such improvements.

A Monumental Recovery Effort: The Road to Rebuilding

As the search continues for missing individuals, authorities are also focusing on the massive recovery effort. The floods have erased entire campgrounds and swept away homes and businesses, leaving residents to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Kerr County officials are working with local and state agencies, as well as national disaster response teams, to coordinate the relief and rebuilding process. President Donald Trump has indicated that he will visit the affected areas later this week to meet with local officials and assess the damage firsthand.

The recovery efforts are expected to take months, if not years. As Judge Kelly noted, “It’s going to be a long time before we’re ever able to clean it up, much less rebuild it.” The community is already looking ahead, despite the overwhelming challenges, with plans to rebuild homes, schools, and businesses that were destroyed by the floodwaters.

In the meantime, residents have shown an incredible amount of resilience and unity. Volunteers from nearby areas have arrived to help with the recovery process, and local businesses have opened their doors to offer shelter and food to those displaced by the floods.

Lessons Learned: Preparing for the Future

As the floodwaters slowly recede and recovery efforts begin, there are important lessons to be learned from the disaster. Officials are reviewing how the emergency response was handled, particularly in regard to flood warnings, evacuation procedures, and rescue efforts.

Meteorologists have noted that climate change could be influencing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like this one. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which can result in storms that dump more rain in shorter periods, making regions like Texas increasingly vulnerable to flash flooding.

As the state and local officials work to improve flood preparedness, it is also a time to reflect on the importance of infrastructure and community planning. The flood highlighted the necessity of creating resilient infrastructure, including better flood defenses, more robust warning systems, and improved evacuation plans.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Texas

The flash floods in Texas have left behind a trail of destruction and loss, but they have also shown the power of community resilience and the heroism of those who risked their lives to save others. As search and rescue efforts continue, the people of Texas remain united in their commitment to recovery and rebuilding.

For those who lost loved ones, especially in the tragic loss of the campers from Camp Mystic, this disaster will leave an indelible mark on their lives. However, Texas will continue to rebuild, stronger and more united than before, as residents come together to honor the memories of those lost and support those affected by the disaster.

As the search for the missing continues and recovery efforts unfold, the people of Texas remain determined to move forward, using the lessons learned from this catastrophic event to better prepare for the challenges of the future.

The resilience and courage of Texas communities will ensure that, even in the face of such tragedy, the state will rise again, building a safer, more connected future for all.