At least 27 people have lost their lives and dozens remain missing following devastating floods that struck Texas. The sudden floods caught both residents and authorities off guard, significantly contributing to the tragedy still unfolding. According to official reports, of the 27 confirmed deaths, 18 were adults and nine were children. The sheriff’s office in Kerr County announced that more than 800 people were evacuated from the flooded area near the Guadalupe River, 137 kilometers north of San Antonio.
Sheriff Larry Leith stated during a press conference, “We will not stop until we find every last person.”
Meanwhile, at least 27 girls remain missing from a camp in Kerrville, with an unknown number of others missing from other areas hit by the storm. The severe weather caused widespread destruction, particularly around the Guadalupe and South Llano rivers. The flash flooding was triggered by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which brought massive amounts of rainfall within a short period of time.
Meteorological data shows that some areas received over 508 millimeters of rain in just six hours. The Guadalupe River overflowed rapidly, rising up to 9 meters, submerging camps, homes, and entire communities. Within 45 minutes, the floodwaters swept away everything in their path.
The situation is especially tragic at Camp Mystic, where 27 girls are reported missing. Search efforts are focused along the riverbanks, involving more than 1,000 rescuers, 160 helicopter missions, drones, and specialized teams using boats and tracking dogs.
Residents and survivors have shared harrowing accounts—people climbing onto roofs and trees, children trapped inside vehicles, families separated in the middle of the night. One 22-year-old woman reportedly walked over 30 kilometers along the river before being found perched on a tree by a rescue helicopter.
Damage to homes, camps, and local road networks is extensive. Bridges and roads have collapsed, and thousands of homes remain without power. Meteorologists warn that heavy rains will continue in the coming days, keeping the risk of renewed flooding high.