The death toll from the sudden floods in central Texas, USA, has risen to 50, with 15 of the victims being children, local authorities announced late last night (July 5, 2025). Rescue teams continue to search desperately for 27 missing children, feared trapped under flood debris. The flash floods were triggered by torrential rains that hit parts of Central Texas on Friday, devastating communities and submerging entire neighborhoods.
According to an AFP tally based on official data from local authorities, 43 fatalities were recorded in Kerr County — the hardest-hit area — and seven more in three other counties. Emergency services are working around the clock to locate survivors and recover bodies, as rising waters have left behind a trail of destruction.
The disaster unfolded on the eve of the United States’ Independence Day celebrations on July 4th, adding to the tragedy. Warnings for dangerous flooding remain in effect across the broader region.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that among the deceased are “28 adults and 15 children.” Meanwhile, at least 27 girls remain missing from a summer camp near the Guadalupe River, where approximately 750 girls had been attending an event organized along the riverbanks. Officials updated the death toll during a press briefing early Sunday morning.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured the public during a press conference alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that rescue operations would not stop until every victim was accounted for. “We will search tirelessly for every victim of this flood. We won’t stop today or tomorrow; we’ll stop when our work is done,” he said.
Reporters on the scene described the aftermath as harrowing, with dozens of vehicles abandoned and trees uprooted. Water levels receded somewhat by Saturday, revealing the full extent of the devastation.
Rescue crews, including about 500 personnel supported by 14 helicopters, are combing through affected areas. The Texas National Guard and Coast Guard have also deployed reinforcements to assist in the recovery efforts.
Meteorological reports indicate that the Guadalupe River rose nearly 8 meters in less than an hour on Friday, following rainfall of 300 millimeters — one-third of the county’s average annual rainfall.