Severe weather struck south-central Texas on Friday as Texas flash flooding left at least 24 people dead. The flooding was caused by heavy rain along the Guadalupe River. Local officials said the floodwaters rose rapidly, leaving little time to respond.
Among those missing are 23 to 25 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp. The camp is located near the river in Kerr County. Rescue teams worked through the day and night to find the missing.
Governor Greg Abbott said the state would devote “limitless” resources to the rescue efforts. He signed a disaster declaration to speed up emergency help in Kerr and nearby counties.
At a press briefing, Abbott said search-and-rescue missions would continue into Saturday. President Trump, speaking from Air Force One, said the federal government would support the recovery.
The Texas flash flooding began before dawn on July Fourth. Rainfall reached up to a foot in some areas. The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency. In Kerrville, the flooding began so quickly that no evacuation orders could be issued in time.
City officials described the flood as fast and unpredictable. Kerrville’s city manager said radar could not detect the storm’s full impact ahead of time.
As of Friday night, 237 people had been rescued or evacuated. Many of these were rescued by helicopter. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
Campers across the area were evacuated throughout the day. Authorities said all others at the camp were safe. The situation remains dangerous, with more rain expected over the weekend.
The Texas flash flooding also forced the cancellation of July Fourth celebrations in several towns. In Kerrville, the celebration site was completely underwater.
Emergency teams from FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard are assisting local efforts. Officials are urging residents to remain cautious as more rain is forecast.
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