Central Texas Flooding Claims 70 Lives & 2 Girls Rescued

This past Friday tragedy struck Central Texas with sudden flash flooding, leading to the deaths of 70 people and the disappearance of 11 young girls attending a lakeside summer camp. The natural disaster has shaken the community and raised serious questions about preparedness and warning systems in the region.

The Guadalupe River, which winds through the scenic Texas Hill Country, unexpectedly overflowed early Friday morning, flooding nearby towns and counties with little to no warning. According to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, officials had no indication from the National Weather Service or other agencies that a flood of this scale was imminent.

“We had no idea this was coming,” Judge Kelly stated in a press briefing. “The water rose rapidly and without precedent.”

But many longtime residents aren't surprised. Reports show that the Guadalupe River has a long history of dangerous overflow, with environmental experts pointing to aging infrastructure, unchecked development, and climate-related shifts in rainfall patterns as contributing factors. The river has even claimed lives in the past—including a tragic school bus incident in the 1980s that killed several teenage boys.

The most harrowing aspect of the flood involves Camp Mystic, a well-known summer retreat for young girls situated along the river. At the time of the flood, the camp was in full session. Eleven campers were initially reported missing, sparking a massive search-and-rescue operation.

Emergency crews began rescue operations immediately after the flooding began, saving dozens of residents and campers. However, by Friday afternoon, continued heavy rainfall forced some teams to retreat for their own safety. Crews have since resumed their search, working around the clock in increasingly dangerous conditions.

Local volunteers, state troopers, and neighboring counties have sent support. Drones, boats, and trained search dogs are being deployed to comb through flooded areas.

This tragic event has left a deep scar on Central Texas. Local shelters are full, hospitals are treating both physical and emotional trauma, and families are grappling with unimaginable grief. Community leaders are calling for a full investigation into the region’s emergency response systems—and why residents received little to no warning.

Donations, supplies, and volunteer support have begun pouring in from across the state. For those looking to help, several verified organizations are collecting funds and essentials for flood victims and their families.

Update: 7/6/2025 5:31pm

In a miraculous turn, two young girls were found and rescued after being stranded in tree branches for two days. Rescuers discovered them clinging to limbs high above the floodwaters—cold, dehydrated, but alive. Their survival has offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise heartbreaking tragedy.