Guadalupe River rises 26 feet in 45 minutes; Christian girls’ camp devastated, 20 children missing as rescue efforts intensify
July-5, 2025: At least 24 people have died following sudden flash floods in Kerr County, Texas, as torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise by 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and a Christian girls’ summer camp where 20 children remain missing.
Incredible videos of Texas flood. The height it reached in minutes…shit.
— Aontacht (@humerus6cents) July 5, 2025
4 videos:
1) the initial wall of water
2) 15 minutes after wall; Tree sucked under bridge
3) 25 minutes after wall; flood at bridge level
4) 30 minutes after wall; floating House hits bridge. pic.twitter.com/sFtbN82ptU
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The floods struck with little warning late Thursday, devastating communities across central Texas and catching campers, residents, and holiday-goers by surprise during the July 4th weekend.
Good morning. Please keep Texas in your prayers—especially the flood victims, the missing, their families, and the first responders searching for them.
— ꜱǫʏʟᴀʀᴋ (@Kralyqs) July 5, 2025
Tragedy in Texas: Flash floods along the Guadalupe River have taken 13 lives. 23 young Christian girls from Camp Mystic are… pic.twitter.com/nH5QJz9Mc6
🚨 Summer Camp Tragedy: Children Swept Away
The worst-hit area includes Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River, where hundreds of children were attending. Around 750 campers were on-site when the floodwaters hit. At least 20 girls remain missing, according to officials. Search efforts by boats, helicopters, and drones are ongoing.
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“It’s total devastation,” said Lorena, a restaurant owner in Kerrville. “Helicopters are flying in, rescuing people trapped in trees. It’s bad.”
Another resident, Bud Bolton, recalled watching RVs float away with people trapped inside: “Kids are screaming, and you can’t do anything for them.”
📱 Social Media Becomes Lifeline
With phones down and roads washed away, families have turned to social media to locate missing loved ones. The Kerrville Breaking News Facebook group, normally used for local updates, is now filled with desperate pleas for information about unaccounted relatives.
Also Read: Texas Floods Sweep Away Summer Camp: At Least 13 Killed
One woman in Austin shared she hasn’t heard from her grandparents living along the river. Another mother posted that her daughter and son-in-law’s home was swept off a road near Kerrville Lake.
📉 No Advance Warning: Officials Blindsided
Local officials admitted they were caught off guard. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said, “We didn’t know this flood was coming… we do not have a warning system in the area.”
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick added that the floodwaters surged with unprecedented speed, stating: “It was a destructive flood, taking property and, sadly, lives.”
📍 Statewide Impact and Response
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed that at least five victims were from Houston, and offered county resources to aid Kerrville. “All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event,” she said.
US President Donald Trump described the event as “terrible” and “shocking,” while Governor Greg Abbott called for community prayers and confirmed that rescue operations will continue until everyone is accounted for.
A new flood watch remains in effect through Saturday evening, with forecasts predicting 2–4 inches of additional rainfall, and possibly up to 10 inches in isolated areas.
🎥 A Glimpse of the Devastation
Drone footage released Friday shows entire neighborhoods underwater and vehicles submerged or swept away. Entire mobile home parks and cabins were engulfed in the rapidly rising waters.
⚠️ What Happens Next
A state of emergency has been declared in multiple counties. Authorities urge residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and avoid travel as rescue teams work around the clock under hazardous conditions.
The search for the missing girls at the summer camp remains the most urgent priority.
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Texas floods, Kerr County flood, Guadalupe River flash flood, Camp Mystic missing girls, Texas flood deaths, summer camp tragedy, Kerrville flood news, Trump Texas flood response, Greg Abbott rescue ops, Texas state emergency