Central Texas is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 83 lives across six counties, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region’s recent history. The flooding, which began early Friday morning, has left dozens still missing and prompted federal disaster declarations as rescue operations continue.
Jonathan Petramala
Kerr County Bears the Brunt of Devastation
Kerr County has suffered the most severe impact, with 68 confirmed deaths, including 28 children. The county became the epicenter of tragedy when floodwaters swept through Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls near Kerrville. The camp was hosting young campers when the Guadalupe River rapidly rose, creating a scene of devastation that has shocked the community.
Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.
We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level.
We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us. — Camp Mystic
“People need to know today will be a hard day…it will be a hard day.” — Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr.
Search and rescue operations continue along the banks of the Guadalupe River. More than 40 people remain missing, with at least 11 girls from Camp Mystic still unaccounted for despite intensive search efforts involving hundreds of personnel.
False reports of two girls being rescued alive from a tree near Center Point spread rapidly Sunday among residents desperate for good news about missing children from the catastrophic Kerr County flooding, prompting officials to caution against unverified information.
“Like everyone, we wanted this story to be true, but it’s a classic tale of misinformation that consumes all of us during a natural disaster. Unfortunately, the story is not true and we are retracting it”. — Louis Amestoy, editor of The Kerr County Lead
The misinformation emerged as rescue teams conduct systematic searches along a 30-mile stretch of the disaster zone, where they have divided operations into grids to ensure thorough coverage.
From Brian Stelter of Reliable Sources:
Survivor stories are emerging.
Camp Mystic inspired generations of Texas women. (KUT 90.5)
State representatives Joe Moody (D-El Paso) and Jared Patterson (R-Denton County) said they’re donating money for flood relief in Kerr County, and they’re asking others to help.
Multiple Counties Affected Across Central Texas
While Kerr County has borne the heaviest toll, the flooding has impacted communities across a wide swath of Central Texas:
Travis County has confirmed six deaths, making it the second-hardest hit area. Located about 150 miles east of Camp Mystic, Travis County includes the Austin metropolitan area and has seen significant flood damage to infrastructure and homes.
The devastating surges swept through areas along local creeks—particularly in the northwest—and tragically carried away vehicles, trailers, and even homes. Amid the chaos, dozens of residents faced rescue operations, with 25 people saved by Austin-Travis County EMS, and overall emergency crews reportedly completed about 50 rescues.
A number of individuals remain unaccounted for—estimates vary, but local officials have suggested between 11 and 13 people may be missing.
The Sandy Creek community in northwest Travis County is grieving and searching for answers. (CBS Austin)
Burnet County has reported four fatalities as floodwaters inundated rural areas and small communities. Emergency management officials have been working around the clock to assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts.
Rescuers are still searching for those who are missing, including Michael Phillips, the chief of the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Another missing person was located on Sunday morning and around 90 people have been rescued in total. (FOX7 Austin)
Searches are underway between Marble Falls and Burnet.
Kendall County has confirmed two deaths, with local officials reporting extensive property damage and ongoing concerns about additional casualties as search efforts continue.
Williamson County has reported two fatalities, with emergency services stretched thin as they respond to numerous flood-related incidents across the county.
Emergency responders in the area conducted 10 rescue operations to save 27 people from the floods, county officials announced Sunday. Several mobile home parks located near the South Fork of the San Gabriel River received voluntary evacuation notices and the Georgetown Animal Shelter was also evacuated to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. (Austin American-Statesman)
Georgetown mayor Josh Schrader provides an update on the cleanup efforts there.
Tom Green County has confirmed one death related to the flooding, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the severe weather system that moved through the region.
Federal Response and Presidential Action
President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, announcing the decision on his Truth Social platform. “These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy,” Trump stated, emphasizing that the declaration would “ensure that our brave first responders immediately have the resources they need.”
Governor Greg Abbott had previously issued disaster declarations for multiple counties, which Trump later expanded to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis, and Williamson counties. This federal support provides crucial resources for ongoing search and rescue operations, as well as long-term recovery efforts.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the media Sunday.
The Scale of the Disaster
The flooding represents a significant natural disaster for Texas, with over 850 people affected according to official reports.
Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd warned that the death toll could continue to rise as search efforts progress. “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, highlighting the ongoing nature of the crisis.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations
Search and rescue teams continue to comb through debris-filled waterways and damaged areas, particularly focusing on the Guadalupe River corridor where many victims were swept away. The terrain and extent of debris have made recovery efforts challenging, with officials coordinating resources from multiple agencies and volunteer organizations.
Emergency responders are working with specialized equipment to navigate areas still affected by high water and unstable conditions. The Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country has established a relief fund to support affected families and communities.
Austin-based credit union UFCU is accepting non-monetary donations from anyone interested in helping out victims of the Texas floods. Starting today, all UFCU branches in the Greater Austin area will begin accepting flood relief supplies. (KVUE-TV)
Community Impact and Recovery
The flooding has left communities across Central Texas grappling with both immediate emergency needs and long-term recovery challenges. Many families have lost everything, and the psychological trauma of the event is expected to have lasting effects, particularly given the number of children affected.
Local officials are working to provide temporary shelter, food, and medical care to survivors while coordinating with state and federal agencies to begin the massive cleanup and rebuilding process. The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the region to flash flooding, particularly during severe weather events. (KUT 90.5)
This morning, meanwhile, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for communities near the Bosque River in Bosque County, located 90 minutes south of Fort Worth, due to rising water levels after heavy rainfall.
Many roads are closed this morning in Williamson and Burnet counties.
Despite warnings from the Texas Division of Emergency Management on July 2nd and 3rd, evacuations were not ordered at the campsites along the Guadalupe River, leading to widespread criticism of local officials.
Texas state lawmakers may soon return to the Capitol to address improved flood warning systems. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that a special session will be called to focus on this critical issue, just days after dozens were killed in Kerr County when the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks. (KXAN-TV)
Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year. A GOP state lawmaker who represents Kerr County says he likely would vote differently now on House Bill 13, which would have established a grant program for counties to build new emergency communication infrastructure. (Texas Tribune)
WEATHER
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR TODAY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
As Texans rally to help Texans in the days since a flash flood devastated the Hill Country, one Kerrville-founded business is going back to its roots. H-E-B, the 120-year-old Texan grocer founded in the area, has activated relief efforts, sending a caravan of 18-wheelers loaded with supplies.
“We didn’t know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.” — Judge Rob Kelly, the top-elected official in Kerr County
How good was the forecast? Texas officials and the National Weather Service disagree. (Texas Standard)
Texas officials are balancing debris cleanup and road reopening with ongoing search efforts for survivors of the weekend’s catastrophic flooding, emphasizing compassion for families of missing individuals as the primary concern in flood aftermath management.
Why Texas Floods Turned So Deadly
SPORTS
MLB: A weekend sweep for the Astros in California.
Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve each homered, Ryan Gusto threw six strong innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 on Sunday to complete their first three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium since May 9-11, 2008. (Yahoo! Sports)
The Houston Astros lead the American League West Division and will send three players to the All-Star Game on July 15 in Atlanta: shortstop Jeremy Peña, starting pitcher Hunter Brown and closer Josh Hader. (Sports Illustrated)
The Texas Rangers can’t seem to find a groove and get back to the .500 mark.
All-Star Fernando Tatis Jr. scored the tying run in the third inning and doubled in the go-ahead run in the fourth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 on Sunday night to take two of three. (Yahoo! Sports)
The Texas Rangers will have just one representative at the All-Star Game: ace starting pitcher Jacob deGrom. (Sports Illustrated)
AL WEST STANDINGS
NFL: The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans along with the NFL pool together donations for Texas flooding recovery efforts. (CBS Sports)
A journey up the Guadalupe River from Canyon Lake by kayak.
