24 Dead, Over 20 Girls Missing After Flash Floods Devastate Texas Summer Camp

At least 24 people have died and over 20 girls remain missing following catastrophic flash floods that swept through central Texas near San Antonio, officials confirmed late Friday. The devastating weather event struck Kerr County, triggering a mass casualty response and rescue operations that remain ongoing.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the rising death toll at a press conference, reporting that 24 fatalities had been officially identified following the flash floods. Earlier in the day, the toll had stood at 13. Authorities fear the number could rise further as rescue teams continue to search for those still unaccounted for, including more than 20 girls who were attending a summer camp in the area.

The missing children were reported from Camp Mystic, located along the banks of the Guadalupe River. According to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the river rose by more than 26 feet in under an hour, submerging much of the camp during the night. He stressed that the girls are currently unaccounted for and may be stranded in trees or out of contact due to communication failures in the area.

Camp officials described the flooding as “catastrophic,” with power, water, and internet services all disrupted. The facility was reportedly hosting around 750 campers for the July 4 holiday weekend when the floodwaters struck.

President Donald Trump responded to the tragedy, calling the event “terrible” and “shocking,” while pledging support as emergency crews rushed to locate survivors. “It’s terrible, the floods. It’s shocking,” Trump said in remarks to the press.

Social media footage showed scenes of destruction, with homes, vehicles, and trees being swept away by the raging floodwaters. Rainfall reached up to 12 inches overnight—roughly one-third of Kerr County’s annual precipitation—overwhelming drainage systems and causing widespread devastation.

Rescue efforts escalated rapidly, with over 500 emergency personnel, 14 helicopters, and multiple units from the Texas National Guard and the US Coast Guard deployed. Helicopter footage shared by Texas Governor Greg Abbott showed dramatic scenes, including a victim being airlifted from a treetop. Abbott confirmed that air rescue operations were being conducted around the clock.

Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, declared the flood a “mass casualty event.” He warned of an approaching second wave of rainfall expected to hit areas surrounding San Antonio and Austin.

Local officials advised residents to stay away from flood zones, with dozens of roads declared impassable. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly emphasized the unpredictability of the event, stating that while the area is prone to flooding, such a disaster was unforeseen. “This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” he said, referring to the Guadalupe River.

Meteorologists issued a continued flood warning for the region, urging residents near the river to evacuate to higher ground. While flash floods are not uncommon in the region, experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. In June, at least 10 people died in San Antonio due to similar flooding conditions.

Elsewhere, a separate severe storm in New Jersey claimed two lives after a tree fell onto a vehicle, underscoring the growing impact of severe weather across the country. As rescue operations continue in Texas, families and officials alike are holding onto hope that the missing girls will be found safe.