News
Death Toll Climbs to 67 as Search for Missing Continues
HUNT, TEXAS (July 6, 2025) — Catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has claimed at least 67 lives, including 21 children, as emergency crews continue a desperate search for those still missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods across the region.
Disaster Strikes the Hill Country
- Epicenter: Kerr County, particularly the communities of Hunt and Kerrville, has been the hardest hit, with 59 confirmed fatalities, including 21 children.
- Summer Camp Tragedy: Among the missing are 11 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a historic girls’ summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The river rose nearly 29 feet in under an hour, overwhelming the camp and sweeping away cabins and vehicles.
- Wider Impact: Additional deaths have been reported in Travis, Kendall, Burnet, and Tom Green counties, with at least 13 people still unaccounted for in Travis County alone.
Timeline and Emergency Response
- July 4–5: Up to 15 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours, causing the Guadalupe River to overflow rapidly. The National Weather Service had issued flood warnings, but the intensity and speed of the rainfall far exceeded forecasts.
- Rescues: Over 850 people have been rescued, including more than 100 airlifted to safety. Many survivors were found clinging to trees or rooftops as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods and camps.
- Federal Response: President Trump has signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, unlocking federal resources for rescue and recovery efforts.
Human Toll and Community Impact
- Children Among the Victims: The loss of so many young lives has devastated families and communities. Parents and relatives have gathered at local shelters and command centers, anxiously awaiting news of the missing.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. Power outages and communication failures have hampered rescue operations.
- Ongoing Search: Search and rescue teams, including the National Guard and Coast Guard, remain on the ground and in the air, vowing to continue efforts until all missing persons are accounted for.
Questions Raised
- Preparedness and Warnings: The suddenness of the disaster has led to scrutiny over the adequacy of warning systems and the decision not to evacuate summer camps along the river. Local officials have acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the rainfall and the challenges in predicting such an event.
- Climate Concerns: Meteorologists note that the combination of tropical moisture from both the Atlantic and Pacific contributed to the extraordinary rainfall, raising concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region.
Key Facts Table
| Statistic | Value/Detail |
|---|---|
| Total rainfall (max) | Up to 15 inches in 4 hours |
| River rise (Guadalupe, Hunt) | 29 feet in under 1 hour |
| Confirmed deaths (as of July 6) | At least 67, including 21 children |
| Missing persons | Dozens, including 11 campers, 1 counselor |
| People rescued | Over 850 |
| Counties affected | Kerr, Travis, Kendall, Burnet, Tom Green, others |
Voices from the Scene
“Everyone in the community is hurting,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. “We will be on this until we find the last body.”
Looking Ahead
With more rain in the forecast and the full extent of the devastation still unfolding, Texas faces a long road to recovery. The Bolanle Media Pressroom will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
For further updates and resources, stay tuned to Bolanle Media.