KERRVILLE, Texas — Catastrophic flash flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country early Friday, killing at least 13 people and leaving over 20 children from summer camps missing. The sudden surge of water along the Guadalupe River overwhelmed parts of Kerr County, particularly near the towns of Hunt and Kerrville, triggering one of the largest rescue efforts in the state this year.
The river rose more than 25 feet in under an hour following intense overnight rainfall. Many residents and campers were caught off guard, with floodwaters submerging homes, roads, and cabins before evacuation orders could fully take effect. Emergency responders described the situation as “unprecedented” due to the speed and scale of the flooding.
Among the missing are dozens of young girls attending summer camps along the river, prompting a desperate search involving helicopters, drones, search dogs, and hundreds of rescue personnel. Several campers were stranded in treetops and on rooftops, while others are still unaccounted for. Local families are anxiously awaiting news at reunification centers set up nearby.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster for the affected areas, mobilizing resources from the Texas National Guard, Department of Public Safety, and FEMA. Officials are urging residents to avoid river areas and remain indoors as more rain is forecast. Rescue operations are expected to continue into the night.
Community shelters, churches, and local volunteers have stepped in to support displaced families. As the search continues, officials stress that the next 24 hours will be critical. The disaster has shaken the region and renewed concerns over extreme weather events becoming more frequent and deadly. Cali Demi
