Catastrophic Flash Flooding in Kerr County, TX: 13 Dead, 23 Girls Missing After Summer Camp Disaster
KERR COUNTY, TX — A devastating flash flooding event in Kerr County, Texas has claimed the lives of 13 individuals and left 23 young girls missing after a catastrophic weather event struck earlier today. The tragedy unfolded at a summer camp situated near the banks of the Guadalupe River, which was overwhelmed by nearly a foot of rain that fell within a two-hour span, creating flash floods that swept through the campgrounds.
The storm arrived suddenly, catching campers and staff off guard and leaving little time for escape or evacuation. In the chaos that ensued, campers were trapped, and rescue efforts were hindered by rapidly rising waters, treacherous terrain, and unsafe conditions. Local emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but by the time they arrived, the situation had already escalated beyond control.
A Sudden, Catastrophic Event
According to meteorologists, the region was not expecting such an intense storm. Nearly 12 inches of rain fell in an extremely short period, causing flash flooding on a scale not seen in the area in years. The rainfall turned the Guadalupe River and surrounding tributaries into raging torrents, sweeping away vehicles, tents, and anything in its path.
The flash floods hit the summer camp—which housed dozens of young girls and their camp counselors—during a typically calm afternoon. As the waters surged, they quickly overwhelmed the campgrounds, submerging cabins, and washrooms, and trapping individuals who were unable to make it to higher ground in time.
“This has been one of the worst weather events we’ve seen in this area in decades. It was sudden, violent, and unpredictable,” said one meteorologist who was monitoring the storm. “The amount of rain that fell in such a short time just flooded everything. The river crested quickly and destroyed everything in its path.”
The Victims
At the time of reporting, 13 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the flooding, including several camp staff and at least one adult who had accompanied the group on the summer retreat. Most of the victims were either washed away by the flooding or trapped in the chaos as the waters surged through the camp. Emergency responders recovered their bodies from the river and surrounding areas, with more still being discovered as rescue efforts continue.
The 23 girls still missing range in age from 8 to 15 years old, and many of them are feared to be trapped somewhere within the flooded camp area. Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly, using helicopters, boats, and ground teams to locate survivors. As of now, the heavy flooding and swift-moving waters have made it nearly impossible to search the entire area, but efforts remain ongoing. Authorities have stated that they are doing everything in their power to locate those who are still unaccounted for.
The Devastation for Families and the Community
The loss of life, including children and young girls, has sent shockwaves through the community. Families of the missing and deceased are desperate for answers, and many are flocking to the scene, hoping for word on the fate of their loved ones. Emergency services are providing resources for the families of the missing children, offering support and counseling as the hours stretch on.
A local mother, whose daughter was one of the campers, shared her anguish:
“My daughter was at that camp for just a few days. We never imagined something like this could happen. We’re waiting to hear any news at all. My heart is broken, and I’m terrified for her. I can’t even describe what it feels like to not know where your child is.”
The shockwaves are not limited to Kerr County. State and national officials have expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the affected families. Local churches, schools, and nearby communities have begun offering support to those directly impacted by the disaster, opening their doors to the families waiting for updates. Kerr County is a close-knit community, and many residents have rallied together, donating resources and offering prayers for the victims and survivors.
The Search for Survivors
Search efforts are being led by Kerr County Emergency Services, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and local volunteers. Crews have been working around the clock, using sonar technology, drones, and thermal imaging equipment to search through debris and flooded areas. The Texas National Guard has been called in to assist with the recovery efforts, and helicopters are conducting aerial searches for signs of life in the flooded regions.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the cause of the disaster, including any potential errors in forecasting or warnings. Officials are looking into whether proper weather alerts were issued in a timely manner and why so many individuals were unable to evacuate the campgrounds despite the weather warnings that had been issued.
A Community in Shock
As the floodwaters begin to recede, the long recovery process is just beginning. Kerr County residents have expressed their solidarity with the families affected by the disaster. The grief and devastation are immeasurable, especially with so many young lives lost or still unaccounted for.
As rescue teams continue their search for survivors, authorities are urging anyone with information or anyone who was at the camp to come forward. There is a desperate need for accurate information to help locate the missing and to identify potential survivors.
A local school official who had children at the camp said:
“This is beyond anything we could have ever imagined. The entire community is grieving. We’re praying for all the families affected, and we’re doing everything we can to support them during this unimaginable time.”
Next Steps
In the coming days, Kerr County officials will hold a community meeting to address the incident and provide information to the public about the recovery efforts. There will also be a memorial service for those who lost their lives, including a memorial to the young girls who were taken from their families too soon.
A GoFundMe campaign and charity efforts are being set up to assist the families of the victims, including those of the missing girls, with funeral expenses, therapy, and ongoing support.
The heartbreak for the families and community will be felt for years, as they recover not only from the devastation of the flood, but from the emotional scars it has left behind.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families, and the brave rescue workers who are tirelessly searching for survivors in the wake of this catastrophic event.
May the community of Kerr County find the strength to heal, and may the missing children be found safe.