News Summary
Central Texas is facing devastating floods that have resulted in 24 confirmed deaths and dozens of individuals reported missing. The flooding has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall, with emergency services urging evacuations in high-risk areas. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with multiple agencies involved, including the Texas National Guard. Communities are bracing for continued threats of severe weather and further flooding as recovery operations proceed, amid urgent pleas for safety from officials. Concerns grow for those unaccounted for, including campers at local facilities.
Central Texas Floods Claim 24 Lives, Dozens Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify
The heavy flooding in central Texas has tragically resulted in a death toll of 24 individuals, as confirmed by the Kerr County Sheriff during a recent news conference. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities report at least 12 people from Houston remain unaccounted for amid the worsening conditions.
A significant rise in the Guadalupe River near Hunt and Kerrville has been observed, where water levels surged by 26 feet in less than an hour due to intense rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, this rise marked the river’s second-highest peak on record, surpassing the historic flood levels from 1987. Videos circulating on social media depict roads and highways submerged under several feet of water, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Emergency services are urging residents living near the river, creeks, and streams to evacuate immediately and seek higher ground, as the floodwaters continue to pose life-threatening dangers. A camp, known as Camp Mystic, has reported that up to 25 out of its 750 campers are currently unaccounted for, raising concerns among families and authorities.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
In light of this crisis, Texas has activated its search and rescue operations, which involve two state teams, the Texas National Guard, and multiple local agencies working tirelessly into the night. The Texas National Guard has reportedly rescued or evacuated 237 individuals, with 167 of these rescues being conducted via helicopter. Local fire departments from Houston, Cypress Creek, Galveston County, New Waverly, and Montgomery County have also been deployed to assist in rescue operations.
Governor Greg Abbott has emphasized the importance of safety and urged residents to follow local guidance while staying out of flooded areas. Mandatory evacuations have been announced in Comfort, Texas, specifically for residents near the rapidly rising river. Police and firefighters are actively involved in facilitating these evacuations and have set up a reunification center at a local Walmart, alongside a shelter at a church for displaced families.
Weather Impact and Forecast
The unprecedented flooding began early Friday morning, following extreme rainfall that measured over 10 inches in several locations, overwhelming local drainage systems. The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for south-central Texas, including Kerr County, prior to the flooding, alerting residents of the potential hazards they faced. This heavy rainfall was particularly observed around 3:30 a.m., as reported by Kerrville City Manager.
As recovery efforts continue, Kerr County officials have noted that the area remains an active scene, requesting patience from the community as they work through the challenges posed by the flooding. The National Weather Service has cautioned that the threat for additional heavy rainfall and flooding persists into the weekend, keeping the region on high alert.
In a show of solidarity and support, President Donald Trump has assured Texas officials of federal assistance should it be needed as the state grapples with these devastating floods. Rescue efforts remain a top priority as authorities continue to search for missing individuals and provide help to those affected by the disaster.
Conclusion
The floods in central Texas present a dire situation as communities face substantial risks and losses. With dozens still missing and the threat of further rain, the focus remains on ensuring safety and conducting effective search and rescue operations. Further updates will be needed as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio’s Deadly Flash Flooding Claims Lives and Evacuations
Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten Southeast Texas
Houston Faces Severe Street Flooding Amid Urgent Need for Drainage Improvements
New Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in South Texas
Major Stormwater Detention Expansion Planned for Cypress
Houston Declared Fastest-Sinking City in the U.S.
Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Southeast Texas
Additional Resources
- Reuters: Central Texas Floods
- Wikipedia: Flood
- USA Today: Guadalupe River Flooding
- Google Search: Texas Floods 2025
- New York Times: Texas Flooding
- Google Scholar: Flash Flood Emergency
- Newsweek: Central Texas Flooding Live Tracker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- ABC13: Central Texas Flash Flooding
- Google News: Texas Flooding
