Death toll rises to 51 in central Texas flooding, including 15 children

At least 51 people have died in devastating floods that struck central Texas on July 4, with officials confirming that 15 of the victims were children. The disaster has particularly impacted Kerr County, where 43 fatalities have been recorded and 27 minors remain missing.

Authorities say the children were at a Christian summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River when torrential rains caused the river to rise rapidly, sweeping through the camp and surrounding areas. In less than 45 minutes, the river surged over 8 meters (26 feet), reaching nearly 9 meters in some locations.

An additional eight people have died in neighboring counties, bringing the confirmed death toll to 51 as of Sunday morning.

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with hundreds of emergency responders deployed. Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County said that 850 people have already been rescued from flooded areas. Search teams are utilizing drones, helicopters, boats, and K-9 units in their efforts to locate the missing.

“The search will continue until everyone is found,” Sheriff Leitha stated.

The flooding began early on the morning of July 4 following intense rainfall that overwhelmed riverbanks and inundated summer camps, roads, and homes across the region. Heavy rain continues in some areas, raising fears of further flooding as water levels remain dangerously high.

Local and federal agencies are coordinating emergency response efforts, and a state of emergency remains in effect in the affected counties.