SPECIAL EDITION
A devastating flash flood emergency struck Kerr County during the overnight hours and into early this morning, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving 20 girls missing from a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
Death Toll and Casualties
Heavy rain pounded Kerr County early Friday, leading to “catastrophic” flooding, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. Children are among the dead, though specific ages and identities have not been released at this time.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a disaster declaration amid “catastrophic” local flooding as rescue operations continue throughout the county.
Missing Campers from Camp Mystic
The most urgent ongoing concern centers on Camp Mystic, a girls-only Christian summer camp located on the Guadalupe River. At least 20 girls were missing from Camp Mystic, though officials said some of those campers may be stranded and unable to call for help.
Several of the girls are from North Texas, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick vowed to the parents of the missing campers that rescuers would find their daughters. Among the missing are 9-year-old Lainey Landry and Janie Hunt, with families anxiously awaiting news.
Extreme Weather Conditions
The flooding was triggered by an unprecedented rainfall event that overwhelmed the Hill Country region. Widespread rainfall of 4 to 6 inches, with some reports of over 10 inches, has fallen since Thursday evening, prompting multiple flash flood emergencies. Heavy rain overnight has produced over a foot of rainfall in just a few hours in the Hill Country.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations
Emergency responders are conducting extensive search and rescue operations throughout the affected areas. Crews are trying to rescue people along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, with multiple agencies coordinating efforts to locate the missing campers and assist other flood victims.
The camp evacuation occurred overnight as rising waters threatened the facility. Camp Mystic in Hunt, notified parents some of their children may be missing amid the major Fourth of July floods.
8:30 P.M. UPDATE:
Over a 12-hour period, more than 12 inches of rain inundated the area, causing the Guadalupe River to swell to dangerous levels. Near Hunt, the river reached 29.45 feet, marking its second-highest level on record. Downstream near Comfort, the river crested at 34.76 feet, which is over 6 feet above its 21-foot flood stage and the fifth-highest level ever recorded there.
As of 1:30 p.m. Friday, a flash flood emergency remains in effect for South-Central Kerr County, impacting communities along the Guadalupe River including Hunt, Center Point, Kerrville, and Comfort. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
