At Least 43 Dead in Central Texas Flash Floods, Dozens Still Missing Amid Widespread Devastation

 At least 43 people, including 15 children, have been confirmed dead after catastrophic flash floods swept through central Texas, officials confirmed on Saturday. As emergency crews continue a large-scale rescue operation, authorities warned that the death toll is expected to rise.

The disaster, centered around Kerr County and the Guadalupe River region, has impacted multiple counties. Travis County officials confirmed four deaths and said 13 individuals remain unaccounted for. An additional fatality was reported in Kendall County. While some media outlets cited a death toll as high as 52, Reuters has not independently verified that figure.

According to local authorities, more than 850 people have been rescued from floodwaters, including some found clinging to trees. The flash flooding followed an intense and unexpected storm that dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the Texas Hill Country — a volume that represents nearly half the region’s average annual rainfall.

Among the missing are 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp near Kerrville. Speaking at a press conference, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice confirmed that the full number of those unaccounted for may be higher. “We will not put a number on the other side because we just don't know,” he said.

The flooding escalated rapidly on Friday morning as river levels surged to nearly 29 feet (9 meters), far exceeding predictions. “We know that rivers rise, but nobody saw this coming,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 17 of the deceased, including five children, have yet to be formally identified.

The National Weather Service said the flash flood emergency has largely abated in Kerr County, though a regional flood watch remains in effect through Saturday evening. The extreme weather was especially destructive due to the area's rugged terrain and popularity among tourists, many of whom had gathered for Independence Day celebrations.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick noted that many visitors had been camping or staying in temporary accommodations near the river. “We don't know how many people were in tents on the side, in small trailers, or in rented homes,” he told Fox News.

Camp Mystic, which had 700 girls in residence at the time, was left severely damaged. Mud-stained cabin interiors, broken windows, and collapsed walls illustrated the force of the floodwaters. Heart O’ the Hills, another nearby girls’ camp, confirmed the death of co-owner Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were present due to a break between sessions.

In the town of Comfort, located roughly 40 miles downstream from the epicenter, floodwaters uprooted massive trees and scattered debris across roadways. Several two-lane bridges suffered heavy damage, though major highways remained largely intact. A Reuters journalist observed numerous abandoned vehicles, many battered and submerged along the riverbanks.

“The devastation was such that I’m still in shock,” said Tonia Fucci, 52, who was visiting family in Comfort. “With the rescues going on and helicopters overhead, you just know so many children and people are still missing. You want them found — but the water came so fast, it’s hard to imagine a good ending.”

Images and videos circulating on social media depicted the scale of destruction: rooftops ripped away, concrete foundations left bare, and residents rescued from treetops and rooftops — sometimes with emergency workers forming human chains.

President Donald Trump extended condolences, saying he and First Lady Melania Trump were praying for the victims. “Our brave first responders are on site doing what they do best,” he posted on social media.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated he has formally requested a federal disaster declaration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that President Trump will approve the request, which would unlock federal relief funding.

Noem also noted that the National Weather Service’s initial flood watch had not predicted the scale of the rainfall. Former NOAA Director Rick Spinrad criticized recent staffing cuts to the agency, warning that diminished forecasting capabilities could lead to more tragedies in the future. “When communities can’t prepare properly, more lives will be lost,” he cautioned.