Devastating floods in Texas, 27 dead, dozens missing,
Floodwaters have receded in central Texas, but the devastation is now clear: 27 people, including nine children, have been confirmed dead, and dozens are missing.
In some areas, nearly a month's worth of rain fell in just hours, dropping 5-10 inches, causing the Guadalupe River to suddenly rise by up to 26 feet within an hour.
Flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service starting Thursday afternoon, moving to a flood emergency early Friday.
Homes, cabins, vehicles and cam opgrounds were left unprotected overnight, resulting in widespread destruction as floodwaters rose across the region.
Human Impact
The dead include 9 children and 18 adults who were at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp.
More than 20 campers from Camp Mystic are missing.
Dozens of families are still searching for their loved ones, while rescue teams continue to work to remove debris scattered along the riverbank using boats, helicopters, drones and ground crews.
More than 850 people have been rescued so far.
Reaction and controversy
Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state disaster and Sunday a day of prayer, pledging full state and federal support.
Some local officials, including Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, acknowledged that there was no high-volume flood warning system in place, as the area lacked a storm-style flood siren.
The National Weather Service's warning system drew both criticism and praise — forecasts were issued early, but some say warnings did not reach vulnerable camps quickly enough.
Search efforts are shifting from rescue to recovery. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as more victims are found.
The region is on high alert as emergency workers brace for more rain and prepare for downstream impacts.
An investigation is underway to examine the failures of emergency alerts, camp safety protocols, and whether a stronger forecast could have preceded the disaster.
This tragedy highlights how quickly flash floods can form and the dire need for robust early warning systems, especially in high-risk areas like the Texas Hill Country. As families mourn, communities are also uniting in prayer, rescue, and rebuilding efforts.
The coming days will be critical in locating missing people, holding victims accountable, and tightening emergency safety measures to prevent future heartbreak.
Published in News Beat on 06 - Jul - 2025