At least 24 dead, dozens missing after catastrophic flash floods in Texas Hill Country

At least 24 people have died and dozens remain missing after torrential rains triggered catastrophic flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday, local officials confirmed. The disaster struck as the region was preparing to celebrate the July 4th holiday, turning what should have been a festive weekend into a tragedy.

The flooding was particularly devastating near Kerr County, roughly 65 miles (105 km) northwest of San Antonio, where the river rose an astonishing 26 feet (7.9 meters) in under an hour. The sudden surge swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and cabins along the riverbanks, with some areas completely submerged.

Among the missing are at least 23 to 25 girls from a Christian summer camp situated on the river’s edge. Camp Mystic, one of several camps in the region, reported experiencing "catastrophic level floods," according to a statement shared by the Ingram Fire Department. “The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help,” the statement read. “Please continue to pray and send any help if you have contacts to do so.”

Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews using boats and helicopters to search for survivors. However, the fast-moving water and washed-out roads have severely hampered access to affected areas. Communication is also limited, as downed power and phone lines prevent families from reaching their loved ones. Social media has become a critical tool, with people posting pleas for information about missing children, campers, and relatives.

The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for parts of Kerr County, calling the situation “life-threatening.”

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 24 and described the flooding as “catastrophic.”

In response, multiple counties have declared a state of emergency. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump acknowledged the crisis, saying, “We’ll take care of them,” when asked about federal aid for the affected communities.

Rescue efforts continue through the night, with hopes of locating more survivors amid one of the most deadly flood events in recent Texas history.