Tragedy in Pictures: Texas Flooding Damage as Waters Recede

Deadly flash floods in Texas’ Hill Country have killed dozens of people, including several girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River near San Antonio.

Why It Matters

Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday as the Guadalupe River surged by more than 20 to 26 feet within 90 minutes, causing widespread devastation and forcing mass evacuations in Texas Hill Country.

The high-volume rainfall has killed at least 80 people, CNN reported, while others remain missing and displaced. More than 850 people have been rescued in the last 36 hours, with search crews using helicopters, boats, and drones to locate victims and rescue people stranded in trees and isolated camps.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has activated several flood warnings across Texas, many of which are expected to last until at least Monday morning. Flooding is the second deadliest weather hazard in the United States after extreme heat, with most fatalities occurring when vehicles are swept away by rising waters.

What To Know

President Donald Trump on Sunday approved a “Major Disaster Declaration” for Kerr County, unlocking federal assistance for rescue and recovery operations. The declaration provides federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This marks the second such declaration for Texas this year, following severe storms and flooding that impacted the state in March.

Search crews are working to locate victims and rescue people stranded in trees and isolated camps. The flooding began with a catastrophic storm that dropped 12 inches of rain in the early morning hours Friday, primarily between midnight and dawn.

The Texas Hill Country’s geography—characterized by dry, dirt-packed soil that prevents water absorption—created perfect conditions for flash flooding. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming campgrounds and residential areas. The NWS issued a flood watch Thursday midday, followed by an urgent warning at 4 a.m. Friday, but by 5:20 a.m., water levels in the Kerrville area had already reached alarming heights.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 38 adults and 21 children are among the dead in the county.

The tragedy at Camp Mystic has drawn particular attention, with 16 girls confirmed dead and 11 still missing. The number of missing persons from other campgrounds and across the region remains unknown due to the July Fourth holiday influx of visitors.

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump’s Sunday Truth Social message: “I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in announcing a declaration on July 5: “Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday—for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines.”

Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, post on Saturday: “Heidi and I continue to lift up in prayer the families of the victims. It is imperative that all Texans heed the warnings and guidance of law enforcement. Please stay safe.”

FEMA Region 6, in Texas, wrote in an X post on Sunday: “Floodwaters carry hidden dangers—contaminants, debris, and power risks. Stay out of flooded areas. Stay alert. Stay safe.”

What Happens Next?

Multiple local, state and federal agencies are continuing search and rescue operations among the flood debris, with the focus remaining on locating the remaining missing girls from Camp Mystic and other unaccounted individuals.