At least 43 people, including 15 children, have died in the devastating Texas Flood, with dozens still missing. Heavy rainfall in central Texas caused flash floods that overwhelmed communities, particularly near the Guadalupe River.
Rescue teams are continuing to search for missing residents, campers, and vacationers. Authorities say the death toll may rise as floodwaters impacted several counties, including Kerr, Travis, and Kendall.
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Local officials reported four deaths in Travis County and one in Kendall County. Some media outlets estimate the total fatalities could be as high as 52, though official confirmation is pending.
More than 850 people have been rescued from floodwaters, many found clinging to trees after up to 15 inches of rain fell in a short period. The hardest-hit area was near Kerrville, about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said 27 girls from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. He added that many others may still be missing. “We will not put a number on the other side because we just don’t know,” Rice stated.
The Texas Flood began suddenly on Friday morning. River levels rose quickly, reaching up to 29 feet. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said the floodwaters came faster than anyone expected. “We know the rivers rise, but nobody saw this coming,” he explained.
Seventeen of the dead, including five children, have not yet been identified, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.
Although the National Weather Service has lifted the flash flood emergency for Kerr County, a flood watch remains in place for the broader region.
The Texas Flood struck during Independence Day celebrations, leaving officials unsure how many visitors were caught off guard. Many may have been staying in tents, trailers, or rented homes near the river.
