Catastrophic Flooding Claims 13 Lives in Kerr County, Texas — Dozens Missing After Torrential Rain Devastates Campsites
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — A wave of devastation has swept across Kerr County, west of Austin, as record-breaking rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding that has left at least 13 people dead and several others missing. What began as a stormy night transformed into a tragedy of monumental proportions, with entire roads washed out, homes submerged, and campsites overtaken by fast-rising floodwaters.
Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the fatalities in a somber press briefing early this morning, calling it “one of the most heartbreaking days this community has ever seen.” Rescuers are still scouring the region for survivors, particularly near the banks of the Guadalupe River, where dozens of families had gathered for summer activities, unaware of the lurking danger.
“The water came fast. It was like a wall,” said Sheriff Leitha. “We’ve dealt with flooding before, but never like this. Never so sudden. Never so tragic.”
Unaccounted Campers: A Race Against Time
One of the most urgent concerns centers around a popular children’s summer camp in the area, Camp Juniper Ridge, located near the river. The camp had 750 campers on site when the flooding began. As of the sheriff’s last update, 23 of those campers remain unaccounted for.
Parents have gathered in tears at a makeshift shelter-turned-command post, some clutching photos of their children, others scrolling through their phones for any missed messages. Helicopters circle overhead as emergency crews brave muddy terrain and collapsed bridges to reach remote areas. Swift-water rescue teams from across the state have been deployed, along with National Guard units and trained canine search teams.
“We’re doing everything in our power to find them,” said Texas Emergency Management spokesperson Angela Ramirez. “Every second counts. These are children. This is personal for all of us.”
The camp was reportedly caught off guard by the speed and intensity of the flood. Staff attempted to evacuate children to higher ground but were overwhelmed by flash flooding that overtook cabins and recreational buildings within minutes. “They only had minutes to act,” one survivor said. “We thought we were safe. And then the river just rose—like something out of a nightmare.”
“Biblical” Rainfall
Over the course of 24 hours, some parts of Kerr County saw up to 14 inches of rain, turning creeks into torrents and washing away vehicles, trees, and even entire buildings. The National Weather Service has described the event as a “once-in-a-century flood,” fueled by a stalled storm system that dumped unprecedented amounts of rain across the Hill Country.
Many residents woke in the middle of the night to the sound of rushing water and emergency alerts on their phones. In some areas, the floodwaters reached rooftops within hours.
“We lost everything,” said Carrie Milton, a resident of Ingram. “My husband and I were asleep. The water came in through the back door. We grabbed the kids and ran out in our pajamas. Our house was underwater by sunrise.”
Officials have declared a state of emergency in Kerr County and surrounding areas. Road closures have crippled transportation, and power outages are affecting thousands. Multiple bridges have collapsed, and several towns remain cut off from emergency services. FEMA is expected to arrive within the next 48 hours to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
Community Shaken, Churches and Schools Open Doors
Across the region, churches, schools, and community centers have opened their doors to displaced residents. Volunteers are distributing blankets, food, and water. Many shelters have become reunification centers for separated families.
Pastor Rick Dobson of Grace Baptist Church in Kerrville said the church has taken in over 200 people in just 12 hours. “We’re heartbroken, but we’re here. We’re feeding whoever walks in. We’re praying. We’re doing what we can.”
Grief counselors have also been dispatched, particularly to assist the parents and staff from Camp Juniper Ridge. The trauma of missing children—and in some cases, confirmed deaths—has cast a shadow of sorrow over what should have been a joyful summer.
Stories of Heroism
Amid the devastation, stories of heroism are emerging. A 17-year-old camp counselor reportedly formed a human chain with fellow staff members to guide younger campers across a raging stream to higher ground. “He wouldn’t leave until every last kid was out,” one eyewitness said.
Local ranchers used tractors and livestock trailers to rescue stranded families from remote areas. One firefighter, who worked for 16 hours straight, pulled a family of five from the roof of their SUV just before it was swept away.
“Texas is hurting,” said Governor Greg Abbott in a press statement. “But Texans are resilient. And right now, we stand with Kerr County.”
A Lingering Threat
Meteorologists warn that more rain could fall in the coming days, compounding the risks. Saturated ground, unstable hillsides, and overflowing reservoirs all pose ongoing threats. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
“Even if the skies clear, the danger hasn’t passed,” said meteorologist Tanya Lee. “The water has to go somewhere. And right now, rivers and lakes are beyond capacity.”
The National Guard has set up temporary airlift operations for medical evacuations and supply deliveries to cut-off communities. Aid organizations such as the Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse are mobilizing volunteers and supplies.
The Pain of Waiting
At the heart of this disaster are the parents—dozens of them—waiting for news from the camp. Each moment stretches like eternity. Some received texts from their children during the early hours of the storm, short messages like “I’m scared” or “It’s flooding. I love you.” Others have heard nothing.
“We just want to know,” said one tearful mother, clutching her son’s Spider-Man backpack. “Alive or not. I just want to know.”
In Memoriam
Sheriff Leitha confirmed that among the 13 confirmed dead were a mother and daughter swept from their vehicle while trying to flee, two elderly residents found in their flooded home, and three campers pulled from debris near the river’s edge. Names have not yet been released pending family notification.
Flags across the county have been lowered to half-staff.
A Community United by Grief and Hope
Kerr County has weathered floods before, but this one has left scars that may take years to heal. Still, community leaders are urging residents not to give up.
“We will rebuild,” said Mayor Linda Crowley of Kerrville. “We will bury our dead. We will comfort our broken. And when the water recedes, we will rise.”
As night falls over the battered hills of central Texas, candles flicker in windows and vigils are held in churchyards. The sound of helicopters hums overhead. Somewhere in the darkness, 23 campers remain missing—and the world watches, waits, and prays for their safe return.
