The death toll from sudden and devastating floods in central Texas has risen to 50, with 14 of the victims being children, according to authorities. As of Saturday evening (July 5, 2025), at least 27 children remain missing, prompting a desperate search operation across the affected areas. The floods were triggered by torrential rains that hit parts of Central Texas on Friday, coinciding with the United States’ Independence Day celebrations on July 4th.
According to an AFP count based on official data from local authorities, 43 people lost their lives in Kerr County—the hardest-hit area—while seven others died in three additional counties. Rescue teams, including approximately 500 first responders, 14 helicopters, and reinforcements from the Texas National Guard and Coast Guard, are conducting extensive searches for the missing.
Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County confirmed that 32 fatalities have been identified so far, including 18 adults and 14 children. Among the missing are at least 27 girls who were attending a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. Many families have been left devastated as they await news about their loved ones.
Governor Greg Abbott assured the public during a press conference alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that the search efforts would continue without pause until every missing person is accounted for. ‘We will not stop today or tomorrow—we will stop when our work is done,’ he stated.
The floodwaters rose rapidly, reaching nearly eight meters within less than an hour on Friday, submerging entire communities and turning land into rivers within minutes. In some areas, over 300 millimeters of rain fell—nearly one-third of the county’s average annual rainfall.
Eyewitnesses and residents described chaotic scenes, with many rushing to find loved ones amid the destruction. Michael, a 40-year-old father from Austin, drove more than 150 kilometers upon hearing the news in hopes of locating his 8-year-old daughter. So far, he has only found remnants of her belongings.
As waters receded on Saturday, the scale of devastation became visible: dozens of vehicles were stranded, trees uprooted, and infrastructure severely damaged. Authorities have issued ongoing warnings for dangerous flooding conditions across the region.
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest flash floods in recent U.S. history, with rescue operations continuing under intense pressure to locate survivors and provide aid to affected communities.