Texas Hill Country Devastated by Flash Floods: 24 Lives Lost and Many Missing

Tragic Flooding in Texas Hill Country

In Kerrville, Texas, a sudden deluge resulted in catastrophic flooding, claiming the lives of 24 individuals and leaving many others unaccounted for, including over 20 girls from a summer camp. Emergency teams have been conducting rescues using boats and helicopters in the rapidly rising waters.

Social media has been flooded with urgent requests for information about those trapped in the affected areas. Central Kerr County experienced more than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain overnight, leading to severe flash flooding along the Guadalupe River.

During a press briefing on Friday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the death toll of 24. So far, 237 individuals have been rescued, with 167 of those saved by helicopter.

The missing campers were part of Camp Mystic, a Christian camp situated along the Guadalupe River in Hunt. Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester recounted how she and her cabin mates were airlifted to safety.

A fierce storm awakened her cabin at around 1:30 a.m., and when rescuers arrived, they secured a rope for the girls to hold onto as they navigated the bridge with floodwaters swirling around their legs.

Lester described the camp as completely devastated, stating, "A helicopter landed and started evacuating people. It was terrifying."

The situation remains fluid, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue for those still missing.

Authorities are still in the process of identifying the deceased.

Urgent Appeals for Missing Persons

According to Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office, a river gauge in Hunt recorded a dramatic rise of 22 feet in just two hours before it malfunctioned at a level of 29.5 feet.

"The water moves so quickly that you won’t realize the severity until it’s too late," Fogarty remarked.

On the Kerr County sheriff's office Facebook page, families shared photos of their loved ones and pleaded for assistance in locating them.

Approximately 400 responders are on the ground, with nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones deployed, some rescuing individuals from trees.

Out of around 750 girls at Camp Mystic, about 23 remain unaccounted for, according to officials.

Rescue teams are committed to doing everything possible to locate everyone.

Survivors Share Their Harrowing Experiences

In Ingram, Erin Burgess was awakened by thunder and rain at 3:30 a.m. Just 20 minutes later, water began flooding her home across from the river. She described a harrowing hour spent clinging to a tree while waiting for the waters to recede enough to reach higher ground.

"My son and I floated to a tree where we held on, while my boyfriend and dog were swept away. Thankfully, we found them later," she recounted.

Burgess expressed gratitude for her son’s height, saying, "His height was the only reason I was able to hold on to him."

Matthew Stone, 44, from Kerrville, reported that police knocked on doors at 5:30 a.m., but he received no emergency alerts.

"We got no emergency alert. There was nothing," Stone said, describing the scene as "a pitch black wall of death."

Stone assisted rescuers using his paddle boat to help a neighbor. They thought they heard cries for help from the water but could not see anyone.

Emotional Reunions Amidst Chaos

At a reunification center in Ingram, families expressed a mix of relief and sorrow as they welcomed evacuees. Two soldiers carried an elderly woman who struggled to descend a ladder, while another woman, disheveled and clutching a small dog, emerged from the chaos.

A girl wearing a "Camp Mystic" T-shirt was seen sobbing in her mother’s arms.

Barry Adelman, 54, described how rising waters forced his family, including his 94-year-old grandmother and 9-year-old grandson, into the attic of their three-story home. The water began seeping through the attic floor before finally receding.

"I was horrified," he said. "I had to reassure my grandson that everything would be okay, but inside, I was terrified."

Unforeseen Flooding

While forecasts had predicted rain, a flood watch was escalated to a warning overnight for at least 30,000 residents. However, rainfall totals in some areas far exceeded expectations, according to Fogarty.

Patrick noted that the risk of heavy rain and flooding extended over a wide region.

"We did everything possible to alert residents about potential heavy rain, but we couldn’t predict where it would hit," Patrick explained. "As darkness fell, the storm intensified."

When questioned about the lack of warnings in Kerr County, Judge Rob Kelly, the county's chief elected official, stated, "We do not have a warning system."

In response to inquiries about the lack of precautions, Kelly assured, "No one anticipated this level of flooding."

"Flooding is common here," he added. "This is the most perilous river valley in the United States."

Flooding in a Popular Tourist Destination

The region is often referred to as "flash flood alley" due to its thin soil layer, as explained by Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is gathering donations for disaster response efforts.

"When it rains, the water doesn’t absorb into the ground; it rushes down the hills," Dickson noted.

The river tourism sector is vital to the Hill Country's economy, with historic summer camps attracting children from across the nation. Numerous river homes and rental cabins are located between Hunt and Ingram.

"Typically, it’s a serene river with stunning, clear blue waters that have drawn visitors for generations," Dickson remarked.