Texas Flood Tragedy: At Least 50 Dead, Dozens Still Missing

Flash floods triggered by sudden, intense storms have claimed the lives of at least 50 people in central Texas, according to officials, with dozens still unaccounted for. The flooding struck communities near the Guadalupe River, including parts of Kerr, Kendall, and Travis counties.

Rescue operations are ongoing after torrential rains dumped nearly 38 cm of water across the Texas Hill Country, transforming campgrounds and rural roads into rivers. More than 850 people have been rescued so far—many pulled from rooftops, trees, and vehicles.

“We know that the rivers rise, but nobody saw this coming,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, calling the scale of the disaster "unprecedented."

Search for Campers and Families

A particularly distressing scene is unfolding at Camp Mystic, where 27 girls are currently missing. “We will not put a number on the other side because we just don’t know,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice during a press conference Saturday.

According to officials, the floodwaters reached as high as nine meters on Friday morning, catching campers and residents off guard. Bed frames, furniture, and entire walls of cabins were destroyed or swept away. In the nearby town of Comfort, uprooted trees and smashed vehicles blocked roadways.

One heartbreaking confirmation came from Heart O’ the Hills, another girls’ camp in the region, which stated on its website that co-owner Jane Ragsdale had died in the flooding. Fortunately, no campers were present at the time.

"Complete Shock" and National Response

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said an unknown number of visitors had been celebrating the Fourth of July holiday in the area. “We don’t know how many people were in tents on the side, in small trailers by the side, in rented homes by the side,” he told Fox News Live.

President Donald Trump offered condolences, saying, “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best.” He also confirmed that the federal government will support Texas after Governor Greg Abbott requested a disaster declaration.

Meanwhile, critics have questioned whether budget cuts to the National Weather Service and its parent agency, NOAA, played a role in the lack of early warning. Former NOAA director Rick Spinrad warned: “People’s ability to prepare for these storms will be compromised… more lives will be lost.”

Flash Flood Watch Remains in Effect

While the worst of the rain has passed, the National Weather Service maintained a flood watch for the broader region through Saturday evening. With rivers still dangerously high, authorities are urging residents to avoid low-lying areas and to continue monitoring emergency alerts.

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Key Details at a Glance:

• At least 50 confirmed dead, with some reports suggesting 52

• Over 850 rescued, including campers and residents

• 27 girls from Camp Mystic missing, others may be unaccounted for

• Extreme rainfall of up to 38 cm, equivalent to half a year’s worth

• National Guard, local law enforcement, and volunteers leading rescue efforts

This devastating flood is one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Texas in recent years, leaving communities reeling—and a nation watching as the search for survivors continues.

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