⚠️ What happened
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Torrential rainfall—up to 10–12 inches in just a few hours—caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, rising as much as 26–29 feet within 45 minutes to two hours (thetimes.co.uk).
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These sudden flash floods struck the Hill Country region on the night of July 4 (Independence Day weekend), catching many off‑guard; emergency alerts were reportedly delayed or insufficient .
💔 Human toll & missing persons
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At least 27 people have been confirmed dead, including nine children (thetimes.co.uk).
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Authorities are still searching for 20–27 missing girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas. The camp had approximately 750 campers when the flooding hit (businessinsider.com).
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The number of missing fluctuates in reports—some mention around 23–25 girls unaccounted for .
🚁 Rescue efforts
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Rescue teams, including helicopters, drones, state game wardens, law enforcement, and other first responders, have evacuated over 800 people safely so far (thetimes.co.uk).
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Search and recovery operations are expanding, with crews systematically combing riverbanks and flood paths through the night and into Saturday (theguardian.com).
🏕️ Camp Mystic, specifically
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Camp Mystic, a historic girls’ camp founded in 1926, is located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Many cabins were destroyed by the violent floodwaters (mysanantonio.com).
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While some older campers and staff sheltered on higher ground and were rescued, younger campers in low-lying cabins may have been swept away (apnews.com).
📌 Key official statements
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Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha: “We will not stop until every single person is found.” He confirmed 27 fatalities and affirmed ongoing efforts (thetimes.co.uk).
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick noted the missing girls “could be in a tree… out of communication,” expressing hope they might still be found alive (businessinsider.com).
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Gov. Greg Abbott declared the region a disaster zone and mobilized state and federal resources (en.wikipedia.org).
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President Trump and federal agencies pledged full support; DHS Secretary Noem is reportedly headed to assist (thetimes.co.uk).
📊 Meteorological context
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The flooding was intensified by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, on top of preexisting flash-flood prone terrain (en.wikipedia.org).
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Despite a flash-flood watch issued July 3, the actual rainfall far exceeded forecasts—which predicted only 3–6 inches, not up to 12 inches recorded .
⏳ What’s next
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Search and rescue operations are continuing into Saturday (July 5), with fears of additional rainfall prompting renewed flash-flood warnings .
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Authorities warn that the death toll may increase as floodwaters recede and more areas are surveyed.
