At least 24 people have died in devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas, after intense rainfall triggered a rapid rise in water levels. Authorities confirmed that dozens remain missing, including up to 25 people from an all-girls Christian summer camp situated on the riverbank.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a late-night news briefing, pledged that search-and-rescue efforts would continue “through the night and into Saturday,” with no limits on resources. The Fourth of July holiday turned tragic as emergency teams responded to distress calls from residents and campers stranded by the floodwaters.
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The U.S. National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for parts of Kerr County, where rainfall exceeded one foot in some areas. Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice said the flooding occurred so quickly that there was no time to issue evacuation orders. “This happened within less than a two-hour span,” he stated.
President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, promised federal assistance, saying, “We’ll take care of them,” in response to questions about disaster support. Meanwhile, state emergency officials acknowledged that forecasts had underestimated the severity of the rainfall.
Flood-stricken communities across central Texas canceled July Fourth celebrations, including Kerrville, where the planned fireworks site was completely submerged. Authorities continue to search for the missing and assess the widespread damage.
