KERRVILLE, Texas — A sudden and devastating flash flood struck the Texas Hill Country on Friday, claiming at least six lives and rendering approximately 20 girls from a summer camp unaccounted for. The intense downpour, which delivered more than 10 inches of rain in just hours, overwhelmed the region, triggering swift rescues from both air and water.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reported the discovery of several bodies during ongoing search efforts, while Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha indicated that at least 13 individuals had drowned. The flooding primarily affected central Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River, normally serene, surged dangerously.
“This is a tragic situation,” Patrick said as pleas for information about the missing intensified. Family members expressed mounting concern via social media, particularly regarding loved ones who had taken part in local camping activities.
Rescue teams rushed to assist those trapped, with emergency responders conducting numerous evacuations. Posts on the Kerr County Sheriff’s Facebook page showcased heart-wrenching messages from individuals desperately searching for relatives. One mother shared her struggles to contact her daughter, who had rented a cabin for her family in Hunt, Texas.
Judge Rob Kelly confirmed the loss of life but noted that many victims remain unidentified. “We are working diligently to establish the identities of those we have lost,” he said. During a press conference, he acknowledged the difficulty in providing exact casualty numbers while emphasizing the efforts underway.
Among those affected, Erin Burgess vividly recounted the harrowing experience her family endured as floodwaters surged into their home. Initially, she dismissed the rain as an inconsequential weather event; however, within 20 minutes, her property transformed into a perilous riverbed. Clinging to her 19-year-old son, Burgess recounted the nightmare as they temporarily took refuge in a tree until help arrived.
The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch in advance, but Judge Kelly lamented that the rapid escalation caught residents off guard. “No one anticipated this level of flooding,” he asserted, referencing the region’s history of flash floods. He emphasized the unpredictability of such natural disasters in a valley known for its treacherous river conditions.
In response to the crisis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that state resources would be deployed to assist affected communities, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. The Texas Hill Country, a popular summer destination known for its scenic vineyards and outdoor activities, has experienced flash floods in the past, but this incident stands out as particularly devastating.
Parents of girls attending Camp Mystic reported alarming updates regarding the camp’s status, as the institution described the floods as “catastrophic.” Camp Waldemar, another local camp, assured families that its participants remained safe following the storm.
Meteorologist Bob Fogarty emphasized the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, noting that gauges recorded an astonishing 22-foot increase within a two-hour period. “This kind of flooding can take you completely by surprise,” he warned.
In related weather events, severe storms in central New Jersey resulted in three fatalities, underscoring the widespread impact of recent extreme weather. As communities grapple with recovery, the tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of nature’s powerful force and its capacity to devastate lives swiftly.