A deadly flood struck Kerr County, Texas, on Independence Day, leaving at least 24 people dead and 23 girls missing from a Christian summer camp near Hunt. The flood, triggered by torrential rain along the Guadalupe River, turned deadly in the early morning hours as waters rose over 26 feet in just three hours.
Governor Greg Abbott declared the disaster a “mass casualty event” during a press conference in Kerrville. He signed an emergency declaration to unlock state and federal resources and called for prayers and unity across Texas. The governor confirmed 237 people had been rescued, including 167 by air, as search teams continued to comb the flood-ravaged areas.
The missing girls were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located along the river. Parents and families are desperately awaiting news, as crews use helicopters, boats, and K-9 teams to search the area. Many of the girls were last seen during nighttime worship sessions when the river began to flood.
Jane Ragsdale, longtime director of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, was confirmed dead. She had led the camp since 1988 and was described as a beloved figure in the community. Another couple, Robert and Joni Blake, were also killed when floodwaters swept through their campsite near Ingram before dawn.
The flood caught many off guard. Though the region had received flood watches, the rapid rise of the river stunned residents and officials alike. The storm dropped more than seven inches of rain in a short window, stalling over the Hill Country and pushing into cities like Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, San Antonio, and Austin.
President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the devastation and pledged full federal support. He called the event “shocking and terrible” and promised that federal agencies would work hand-in-hand with Texas authorities.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the focus remains on locating the missing girls. Emergency shelters have been set up across the region, and first responders continue to monitor rivers and creeks as more rain is expected. Faith leaders across Texas have urged communities to pray for those lost, missing, and the families waiting for answers.
