Hill Country Flood Update

The catastrophic flooding in Kerrville, Texas, and surrounding Kerr County, triggered by heavy rainfall on July 4, 2025, has caused significant loss of life and ongoing challenges. Here is a comprehensive update with all available statistics based on recent reports:

• Death Toll: At least 27 people have been confirmed dead, including 18 adults and 9 children.

• Missing Persons: Approximately 20 to 27 individuals remain unaccounted for, with a focus on 20 to 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp in Hunt, about 17 miles west of Kerrville.

• Rainfall: Widespread rainfall of 4 to 12 inches fell across Kerr County, with some areas reporting over 10 inches since Thursday evening, July 3, 2025. Hunt saw about 6.5 inches in three hours, classified as a 1-in-100-year event.

• Guadalupe River Levels: The river rose dramatically, reaching 29.45 feet in Hunt, the second-highest level Hawkins recorded in history, surpassing the 1987 flood level. It surged from 7 feet to nearly 30 feet in a few hours, with a peak rise of 26 feet in 45 minutes in some areas.

• Rescues and Evacuations: Over 800 people have been evacuated, with 237 rescues completed, including 167 by helicopter.

• Search and Rescue Efforts: Hundreds of first responders, including the Texas National Guard, US Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Military Department, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and FEMA, are deployed. Over 500 rescue workers, supported by drones, boats, and more than a dozen helicopters, are searching for survivors, focusing on summer camps, parks, and low-lying areas.

• Infrastructure Impact: Multiple low-water crossings, secondary roads, and low bridges were inundated. Sections of Guadalupe River State Park, including picnic tables and equipment, are damaged. The highway near Camp Mystic was washed away, complicating rescue efforts.

• Shelters and Reunification Centers: Centers are established at First United Methodist Church, Walmart (2106 Junction Highway), and Ingram Elementary School (125 Brave Run, Ingram).

• Flood Warnings and Weather: The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood emergencies for Kerr County and surrounding areas (Bandera, Tom Green, Kendall, Gillespie, and Mason counties). A flash flood watch was in effect until 7 p.m. on July 4, 2025, with light to moderate rainfall expected into the evening, potentially worsening flooding due to saturated soil. A flood warning remains in effect until just before 1 a.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025.

• Government Response: Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for Kerr and 13 other counties, enabling state resource access. President Donald Trump has pledged federal support, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem arriving to oversee FEMA efforts.

• Camp Status: Camp Mystic is the primary focus of search efforts, with 20–27 girls still missing. Other camps, including Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, Texas Lions Camp, Camp Waldemar, and Camp La Junta, report all individuals accounted for.

• Historical Context: The Guadalupe River’s rise exceeded the 1987 flood, which killed 10 teenagers near Comfort, Texas.

The flooding struck rapidly before dawn on July 4, 2025, catching residents and officials off guard due to inadequate warning systems and underestimated rainfall predictions (initially up to 8 inches). Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice noted no signs of flooding at 3:30 a.m., but by 5:00 a.m., the situation escalated. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly emphasized the lack of a river warning system, and officials continue to urge residents to avoid travel and seek higher ground.

Rescue operations remain ongoing, with a focus on finding missing individuals, particularly children from Camp Mystic. The community is reeling, with reunification efforts and support from state and federal agencies continuing. Residents are advised to stay off roads, conserve water in some areas, and monitor updates via www.weather.gov or local news.