QUICK SUMMARY
Central Texas flooding on July 4 left at least 13 dead and more than 20 children missing as the Guadalupe River surged over 20 feet in 90 minutes. Evacuations are underway at Camp Mystic, where Texas Game Wardens and other agencies are assisting in rescue efforts. Officials continue searching for the unaccounted campers, emphasizing that their status does not imply they are lost.
Central Texas suffered catastrophic flooding on July 4, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving over 20 children missing. The Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in just 90 minutes, leading to urgent evacuations at Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls in Hunt. Texas Game Wardens and other agencies are on-site to assist in locating the unaccounted campers, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirming that 23 remain missing but emphasizing that this does not mean they are lost. The National Weather Service reported Kerr County received over 6.5 inches of rain in a short period, leading to a flash flood emergency declaration. Local officials, including Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, acknowledged the rapid developments of the disaster despite prior flood warnings. The Texas National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA are actively participating in rescue efforts as families await updates. President Trump has reassured Texas officials of federal aid, while Senators Cornyn and Cruz pledged to ensure local responders have necessary resources. As rainfall diminishes, light showers may complicate ongoing rescue operations in already flooded areas.