Tragic Flooding Causes 24 Fatalities in Texas, With Many Still Unaccounted For

Rescue teams are combing the edges of the Guadalupe River, searching for people caught in the flooding in Ingram, Texas, on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Authorities have confirmed that the devastating floods that struck the Texas Hill Country early Friday have resulted in 24 deaths.

Adding to the tragedy, at least 20 young girls from a nearby summer camp by the Guadalupe River are missing.

Officials fear some campers might be isolated and unable to contact rescue teams.

Governor Greg Abbott assured residents during a Friday night briefing that the state is deploying all required resources for the ongoing search and recovery operations.

A disaster has been formally declared by the governor's office for several counties within the Hill Country area, roughly 70 miles from San Antonio.

Governor Abbott stated that search operations will proceed through the night in an effort to find those still missing.

"This mission is ongoing, day and night," he added.

The aftermath of the floods includes damaged vehicles and remnants of debris near the riverbanks in Ingram, Texas, as observed on July 4, 2025.

Earlier in the day, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reported that over 500 emergency workers and 14 helicopters have been activated for rescue missions.

Patrick highlighted the deployment of personnel to various points throughout the Texas Hill Country to aid in rescue efforts, pointing out the area's popularity for summer camps, especially those accommodating numerous girls.

Friday's focus is intensely on locating the missing teenagers, as stated by Patrick.

In a matter of 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River surged upward by 26 feet, causing extensive destruction and loss of life, according to Patrick, with rainfall totals exceeding 12 inches each hour.

Electricity and internet services in the afflicted regions are out of operation, impacting community communications.

The death toll may rise further, warned Sheriff Larry Leitha, who estimated that the process of dealing with the aftermath could take several days.

Rescue teams have launched boats on the Guadalupe River after the deadly flood events in Kerrville, Texas, on July 4, 2025.

On Friday, the National Weather Service cautioned of ongoing flood risks. Rainfall between 1 to 3 inches is possible, with isolated areas possibly seeing additional totals up to 5 inches.

The extreme rainfall is attributed to the merging of a moist tropical airmass and a slow-moving storm system affecting central South Texas.

Kerr County has indicated that the Guadalupe River, which flows through the affected region, has reached heights of over 39 feet, significantly more than its normal 3-foot level.

Judge Rob Kelly emphasized the severe impact on infrastructure, both public and private, and noted damage assessments are pending until floodwaters recede.

"The impact of this disaster has been profoundly catastrophic," Kelly expressed at a press meeting on Friday morning.