Authorities in Texas are working non-stop to locate survivors and missing persons after catastrophic floods hit the region on Friday, July 4, 2025, claiming at least 24 lives. Rescue teams rushed to save dozens of victims trapped by rising waters, local officials reported. Among the missing were approximately 25 individuals from a Christian summer camp for girls called Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River. Authorities confirmed that official evacuation orders were issued for nearby camps Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar, where floodwaters surged rapidly.
While many children have been rescued, the fate of at least 20 girls remains unknown. Rescue teams have carried out dozens of operations as emergency response continues. By late Friday, emergency personnel had rescued or evacuated 237 people, including 167 via helicopter, according to Reuters.
State Senator Pete Flores said, “We are in full search and rescue mode, and we know these first 24 hours are critical.” Additional rainfall is expected across the state, including near Waco, with more flooding anticipated along rivers in Kerr County.
The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency in parts of Central Texas’ Hill Country, about 105 kilometers northwest of San Antonio, following storms that dropped up to 30 centimeters of rain.
Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester described being rescued by helicopter after wading through floodwaters. She recalled waking suddenly around 1:30 a.m. as thunder crashed and water pounded the windows of her cabin. Lester was among older campers housed on an elevated hill known as Senior Hill.
“The cabins housing younger campers, who can attend as young as age 8, are located along the riverbanks and were the first to flood,” she explained. Campers from lower cabins sought refuge on the hill. “By morning, there was no food, electricity, or running water,” she added.
When rescuers arrived, Lester said they tied ropes to help the girls cross a bridge as floodwaters rose around their legs and knees. “The camp was completely destroyed,” she emphasized. “It was really scary. Everyone I personally know has been accounted for, but there are still people missing, and we don’t know where they are,” she added.
A mother of one 13-year-old said her son was near Camp La Junta and managed to escape. A counselor there woke up to see water rising in the cabin, opened a window, and helped the boys swim to safety. Both Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar posted on Instagram confirming all campers and staff were safe.
“Thankfully my kids are safe, but knowing others are still missing is eating me alive,” the mother said. People have taken to Facebook seeking information about their children, nieces, nephews, and other family members attending camps in the area or visiting during the holiday weekend.
The Ingram Fire Department shared a photo of a statement from Camp Mystic, which reported suffering ‘devastating floods.’ The camp’s official page stated, “We are currently working with search and rescue services. The highway has been washed away, making it difficult to receive further assistance. Please continue to pray and send any help you can if you have contacts to do so.”