On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, devastating the beloved Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The unprecedented Texas flooding, triggered by torrential rains, transformed the serene Guadalupe River into a raging torrent, leading to significant loss of life and widespread destruction. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Kerrville flooding, the impact on Camp Mystic, and the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, while addressing key questions about the event and its aftermath.
What Happened at Camp Mystic in Texas?
Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old summer camp in Hunt, Texas, was severely impacted by flash flooding along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025. Heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over 10 inches in just a few hours, caused the river to surge from 7 feet to nearly 30 feet in less than two hours, a volume described as comparable to a small tsunami. This rapid rise caught the camp and surrounding communities off guard, leading to what officials have called a “mass casualty event.”
The flooding destroyed much of Camp Mystic’s infrastructure, sweeping away cabins, vehicles, and personal belongings. Tragically, at least one girl has been confirmed dead, and as of July 5, 2025, 27 girls remain unaccounted for, with search and rescue operations ongoing. The camp, which hosts approximately 750 campers each summer, became the focal point of rescue efforts as emergency responders worked to locate missing campers and reunite them with their families.
The Guadalupe River Flooding: Causes and Impact
The Guadalupe River, a vital waterway running through the Texas Hill Country, was the epicenter of the flooding. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Kerr County on July 3, 2025, but the intensity and speed of the rainfall—described as a 1-in-100-year event—overwhelmed local infrastructure and emergency preparedness. In Hunt, Texas, approximately 6.5 inches of rain fell in just three hours, causing the river to reach its second-highest level on record, surpassing even the devastating 1987 flood that killed 10 teenagers.
The flooding caused widespread destruction in Kerrville, Hunt, and surrounding areas, including:
- Loss of Life: At least 27 people, including 9 children and 18 adults, have been confirmed dead across Kerr County, with some sources reporting slightly lower numbers earlier in the crisis.
- Missing Persons: Approximately 27 girls from Camp Mystic remain missing, with names such as Eloise Peck, Lainey Landry, Greta Toranzo, Lila Bonner, Molly DeWitt, Virginia Hollis, Janie Hunt, and Kellyanne Lytal reported by families and media.
- Rescue Efforts: Over 850 people have been rescued, including 167 by helicopter, with more than 1,000 rescuers, including Texas Game Wardens and National Guard units, deployed to the area.
- Infrastructure Damage: Downed power lines, destroyed homes, and debris-filled waterways have complicated recovery efforts. The Kerrville Public Utility Board reported prolonged outages, particularly along the South Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt.
Kerrville and Central Texas: A Region in Crisis
Kerrville, located about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, is no stranger to seasonal rains, but the scale of this flooding event was unprecedented. The city, along with nearby Hunt and Ingram, saw homes, businesses, and infrastructure overwhelmed by floodwaters. The Guadalupe River’s rapid rise washed away vehicles, leveled homes, and left debris scattered across the region.
Other areas, including Comal County and parts of Burnet, Williamson, and Travis counties, also experienced flash flood emergencies, with warnings extending to areas like Canyon Lake, where floodwaters were moving downstream. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that Canyon Lake’s reservoir could absorb the incoming flows without immediate releases.
The lack of an adequate warning system in Kerr County exacerbated the crisis. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that authorities were shocked by the ferocity of the floods, stating, “We had no reason to believe that this was gonna be anything like what’s happened here.”
Camp Mystic: A Historic Institution Devastated
Founded in 1921, Camp Mystic is a cherished Christian summer camp for girls, known for fostering faith, fellowship, and outdoor activities along the Guadalupe River. Located in Hunt, Texas, about 17 miles west of Kerrville, the camp has been a summer tradition for generations. The flooding event, however, turned this idyllic retreat into a scene of chaos.
Survivor accounts, such as that of 13-year-old Elinor Lester, describe the terrifying experience of waking to raging floodwaters and being evacuated by helicopter while holding onto ropes for safety. The camp’s leadership has notified parents of unaccounted-for campers, and a rendezvous point at Ingram Elementary School was established for reunions. Other nearby camps, such as Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, Texas Lions Camp, Camp Waldemar, and Camp La Junta, reported all their campers and staff accounted for, making Camp Mystic the primary focus of search efforts.
Ongoing Rescue and Recovery Efforts
As of July 5, 2025, search and rescue operations continue around the clock, with teams combing the Guadalupe River, nearby woods, and culverts for survivors or remains. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice emphasized the challenging conditions, noting that rescuers are searching “every possible location,” including trees and high-ground areas where survivors may have sought refuge.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Larry Leitha, has pledged to continue efforts until every missing person is accounted for. A call center (830-258-1111) and email (floodrecovery@co.Kerr.tx.us) have been established for families seeking information. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and acting Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have authorized significant resources, including National Guard units, to support the response.
Community Response and Challenges
The Kerrville community and beyond have rallied to support those affected, but challenges remain. Emergency workers have been hindered by onlookers and heavy traffic, prompting the Kerrville Police Department to urge the public to avoid the river and give rescuers space to work. Power outages affecting over 2,600 customers and extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly in Hunt, have further complicated recovery efforts.
Social media posts on X reflect the heartbreak and urgency of the situation, with users sharing pleas for information about missing campers like Molly DeWitt and expressing disappointment in the camp’s preparedness given the region’s seasonal weather patterns. However, these posts are inconclusive and reflect individual sentiments rather than verified facts.
Why Did This Flooding Happen in Texas?
The flooding was caused by a combination of heavy rainfall and the Guadalupe River’s rapid response to the deluge. The National Weather Service reported that parts of central Texas received a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours, with Hunt seeing a 1-in-100-year rainfall event. The lack of a robust warning system and the speed of the river’s rise left little time for evacuations, particularly at Camp Mystic, where the flooding occurred in the early morning hours.
The Texas Hill Country’s geography, with its steep terrain and fast-draining waterways, exacerbates flash flooding risks. The Guadalupe River, which flows through Kerrville, Hunt, and downstream to Canyon Lake, is particularly prone to rapid rises during heavy storms. Historical floods, such as the 1987 event, highlight the region’s vulnerability.
What’s Next for Kerrville and Camp Mystic?
As floodwaters recede, the focus remains on locating the missing campers and supporting affected families. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are coordinating with the Red Cross to provide updates and reunification services. Two press briefings were scheduled for July 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time to provide further updates.
The long-term impact on Camp Mystic and the Kerrville community is significant. The camp’s destruction will likely require extensive rebuilding, and questions about preparedness and warning systems may prompt changes in local emergency protocols. The National Weather Service has issued new flood watches for the region, as additional rainfall is expected, raising concerns about further flooding in central Texas.
How to Stay Informed and Help
For those seeking information about missing loved ones, contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office call center at 830-258-1111 or email floodrecovery@co.Kerr.tx.us. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed through official channels, such as the National Weather Service and local news outlets like KXAN and KSAT, and to avoid floodwaters for safety.
The community is encouraged to support recovery efforts through donations to organizations like the Red Cross or by volunteering with local relief initiatives. However, officials stress the importance of staying clear of active rescue sites to ensure the safety of responders and survivors.
Conclusion
The 2025 Kerrville flooding and its impact on Camp Mystic represent one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent Texas history. The loss of life, ongoing search for missing campers, and widespread destruction underscore the challenges of flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country. As rescue efforts continue and the community begins to rebuild, the resilience of Kerrville, Hunt, and the families of Camp Mystic will be tested. Stay updated through trusted sources like the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, KXAN, and the National Weather Service for the latest developments on this tragic event.
For more information on the Guadalupe River flooding and Camp Mystic updates, visit official resources or local news outlets like AponPost Weather, KXAN and KSAT.
