Daily news highlights from Texas show a heartbreaking disaster after heavy rains caused sudden flash floods along the Guadalupe River on Friday. The floods have killed at least 24 people, and 23 to 25 young girls from a summer camp are still missing. Emergency teams have been working around the clock to rescue people trapped in high water or cut off by rising rivers.
What Caused the Texas Flash Floods?
- The flooding happened after torrential rainstorms dropped over a foot of rain in some areas of Kerr County, located about 65 miles from San Antonio.
- The U.S. National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency, but the water rose so quickly that no evacuation orders could be given in time.
- Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice said the Guadalupe River swelled beyond major flood levels in just under two hours, making it impossible to prepare.
- Although weather officials had warned of possible flooding earlier, the actual rainfall was much heavier than predicted.
Campers Missing from Christian Summer Camp
- The most concerning part of this Breaking News is the situation at Camp Mystic, a private all-girls Christian summer camp.
- At least 23 girls have been reported missing from the camp, which sits directly along the river.
- Over 750 children were staying at campgrounds when the flood hit around 4 a.m., and many were safely evacuated during the day.
- Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said, “We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive.”
Response and Rescue Efforts
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott promised that rescue efforts would continue overnight into Saturday, with “limitless” resources available.
- As of Friday night, 237 people had been rescued, including 167 by helicopter.
- The U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) were called in to help local emergency crews.
- President Donald Trump, speaking from Air Force One, said the federal government would support the state and “take care of them.”
Local Damage and Warnings
- 24 deaths have been confirmed in Kerr County, with one other possible flood-related death in nearby Kendall County.
- Several residential areas, RV parks, and campgrounds were destroyed or heavily damaged by floodwaters.
- Public July Fourth celebrations, including fireworks in Kerrville, were cancelled as the riverbanks were completely flooded.
- Officials warned that more rain could come in the next 24 to 48 hours, raising the risk of further flash floods from San Antonio to Waco.
A River Known for Risk
- Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said that floods happen often in the area, calling the Guadalupe River Valley the “most dangerous” in the U.S.
- However, he emphasized that nothing prepared them for a disaster of this size, saying, “We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what’s happened here.”
Disaster Declaration Signed
- Governor Abbott signed an official disaster declaration to make emergency funding and help available faster for Kerr County and other affected areas.
- Emergency teams are staying on high alert as more rain is expected, and many families are still waiting for news of missing loved ones.
This Daily news highlight from Texas is a reminder of how fast natural disasters can strike. With children still missing and communities devastated, rescue workers continue their efforts, hoping for more survivors to be found.
