Texas Flash Floods Kill 43 Including 15 Children
Flash Floods Strike Without Warning, Devastate Kerr County
A sudden and powerful flash flood has devastated central Texas, killing at least 43 people, including 15 children, in what officials are calling one of the deadliest weather events in the region’s recent history. The disaster unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning after a staggering 15 inches of rain fell over just a few hours in areas near the Guadalupe River, roughly 85 miles northwest of San Antonio.
The river, normally calm and scenic, swelled to 29 feet, flooding entire communities, homes, and popular summer camps with terrifying speed. Emergency services responded to more than 850 calls for help, rescuing people trapped in rising waters, stranded on rooftops, and even clinging to trees in the dark.
Local officials were caught off guard. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said:
“The river rose faster than anyone expected. No one saw this coming.”
Although the flash flood warning has since been lifted in Kerr County, surrounding areas remain on alert. More storms are possible in the coming days, and a flood watch is still in effect, according to the National Weather Service.
Summer Camps Hit Hard, Dozens of Girls Missing
Among the most heart-wrenching aspects of the flood is its impact on children. Authorities have confirmed that 27 girls are missing from Camp Mystic, a beloved summer camp in Kerrville, which was hosting 700 girls at the time the flooding hit. Rescue crews are actively searching for the missing, but hope is dwindling as time passes.
Dalton Rice, Kerrville City Manager, shared the concern in a press briefing:
“We’re tracking the ‘known missing’—the 27—but there could be others. We simply don’t know yet.”
Elsewhere, another camp—Heart O’ the Hills—suffered the tragic loss of co-owner Jane Ragsdale, though officials confirmed no children were present there during the flooding.
Search teams continue to comb the area for missing persons using helicopters, drones, boats, and divers. The high water levels and debris-filled currents have made search and rescue operations dangerous and difficult.
So far, authorities have not been able to identify eight of the victims, including three children, due to the extent of the damage caused by the fast-moving water.
Forecasting Failures and Federal Response Under Scrutiny
The disaster has led to sharp criticism of the National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) for failing to issue stronger warnings ahead of time. Many residents say they had no idea the storm would be so severe.
Originally, the NWS had only issued a “moderate” flood warning—now widely seen as a major underestimation of the storm’s intensity. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem admitted that the warning was not enough:
“We’re reviewing the forecasting systems. This should not have happened without stronger alerts.”
Some meteorologists point to recent federal staffing cuts at NOAA that may have contributed to forecasting gaps. Without sufficient personnel or advanced tools, they argue, communities remain vulnerable to these kinds of disasters.
In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott formally requested a federal disaster declaration, which President Donald Trump agreed to support. The President and First Lady Melania Trump expressed their condolences in a joint post on social media, thanking first responders for their tireless work.
Meanwhile, grief and anger are growing among residents. Many are left homeless, with floodwaters destroying homes, businesses, roads, and power infrastructure across Kerr and surrounding counties.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Temporary shelters have been set up in schools, churches, and community centers to house hundreds of displaced families. Volunteers and aid groups are distributing food, water, clothing, and medical supplies, but the need is overwhelming.
Mental health counselors have also been deployed to assist grieving parents, traumatized children, and first responders who witnessed the tragedy up close.
As the recovery phase begins, local and federal agencies are coordinating to assess damage, restore essential services, and support long-term rebuilding efforts. But for now, Texas mourns.
“The faces of the victims—especially the children—will stay with us forever,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha, visibly emotional during a Saturday press briefing.
