Flash floods in central Texas have killed at least 51 people so far, including several children, state officials confirmed on Saturday. Emergency crews are still racing against time to locate campers, tourists, and residents who remain missing after the sudden disaster.
Desperate Search for Survivors Continues
On Saturday, rescue teams searched through debris-covered riverbanks—now filled with broken trees, flipped cars, and thick mud. They’re trying to find survivors and bodies swept away by the powerful flash floods. Among the missing are 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit areas.
So far, authorities haven’t shared an official count of the total number of missing people. However, officials confirmed that most of the victims found so far were connected to Camp Mystic.
Flood Hit Before Sunrise, Water Rose Rapidly
Before dawn on Friday, heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River to surge by 26 feet (8 metres) in just 45 minutes. The rising waters swept through homes and washed away cars, catching many people off guard. The situation remains dangerous, as more rain continues to fall in parts of central Texas, especially near San Antonio, keeping flash flood warnings active.
Incredible videos of Texas flood. The height it reached in minutes…shit.
— Aontacht (@humerus6cents) July 5, 2025
4 videos:
1) the initial wall of water
2) 15 minutes after wall; Tree sucked under bridge
3) 25 minutes after wall; flood at bridge level
4) 30 minutes after wall; floating House hits bridge. pic.twitter.com/sFtbN82ptU
Rescue Efforts Using Boats, Helicopters, and Drones
Emergency crews are using boats, helicopters, and drones to reach people stranded in trees or isolated camps. Rescue operations have intensified as floodwaters slowly begin to go down.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured the public that efforts to find survivors would not stop. "Authorities would keep working non-stop to search for the missing and expand the search as waters recede," he said.
God bless all the rescue ops personnel bringing these sweet Angels to safety! 🫡💪 #TexasFlood pic.twitter.com/4JsOmkMsLe
— United Cajun Navy (@Unitedcajunnavy) July 5, 2025
Rising Toll Across Multiple Counties
Flooding affected several areas, including Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. In Travis County, where the capital city Austin is located, three people died, and ten more are still missing.
In nearby Burnet County, two more deaths were reported. A firefighter also went missing during a rescue attempt, as confirmed by Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio.
In Kerr County, Sheriff Larry Leitha announced that teams had recovered 32 bodies—18 adults and 14 children.
Concerns Raised Over Warning and Safety
As the death toll climbs, many are now questioning whether camps and residents received enough warning about the flash floods. There are also growing concerns over whether proper safety measures were in place to protect people, especially vulnerable groups like children at summer camps.