Flash Floods in Texas Kill 27, Campers Still Missing

nineside travel blogger
nineside travel blogger
Nineside Travel

Content

Date:

Jul 5, 2025

Category:

Central Texas Flash Floods Leave 27 Dead, Search Continues for Missing Campers
Central Texas Flash Floods Leave 27 Dead, Search Continues for Missing Campers

At least 27 people, including nine children, have died following catastrophic flash floods in central Texas. The disaster struck communities along the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio, with dozens still missing—many from a nearby girls' summer camp.

Floods Ravage Texas Hill Country

The floods began late Friday after intense rainfall dropped 5 to 11 inches across the region. The Guadalupe River surged rapidly, cresting near 29 feet—its second-highest level on record—washing away cabins, vehicles, and entire stretches of riverfront (MySanAntonio).

Tragedy at Camp Mystic

A significant portion of the disaster's toll centers on Camp Mystic, a popular girls' summer camp in Hunt, Texas. Authorities confirm that two campers, 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla and 9-year-old Janie Hunt, are among the dead. As of Saturday morning, 23 to 25 girls remain unaccounted for out of roughly 750 who were on site (Washington Post).

Massive Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams—supported by helicopters, drones, and boats—have pulled over 850 people to safety so far, with more than 1,000 state responders deployed following a disaster declaration by Governor Greg Abbott. Of those rescued, 167 were evacuated by helicopter, many of them campers and staff from Camp Mystic (AP News).

Families, Officials Demand Answers

Questions are mounting about the lack of timely warnings. Residents report they received no alerts before water levels rose. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged the region has no formal flood warning system. As rescue efforts continue, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick pledged full state support and vowed to investigate communication failures (News4SA).

Stories of Survival

Survivors have shared harrowing accounts. One 13-year-old camper, Elinor Lester, was airlifted from the camp after crossing floodwaters by rope. Another resident, Erin Burgess, clung to a tree with her teenage son for over an hour after floodwaters submerged their home (Global News).

Looking Ahead

More rainfall is expected in the coming days, complicating recovery efforts. Power and water remain disrupted in parts of the region, and access to flood-damaged areas is limited. Officials urge residents to stay away from affected zones to allow emergency crews to continue search and recovery efforts.

This tragedy has highlighted longstanding infrastructure gaps in Texas Hill Country and the urgent need for improved early-warning systems in flood-prone areas.

Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.

nineside travel blogger

Nineside Travel

Nineside Travel

At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.

AUTHOR

nineside travel blogger

Nineside Travel

Nineside Travel

At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.

AUTHOR

Flash Floods in Texas Kill 27, Campers Still Missing

nineside travel blogger
nineside travel blogger
Nineside Travel

Content

Date:

Jul 5, 2025

Category:

Central Texas Flash Floods Leave 27 Dead, Search Continues for Missing Campers
Central Texas Flash Floods Leave 27 Dead, Search Continues for Missing Campers

At least 27 people, including nine children, have died following catastrophic flash floods in central Texas. The disaster struck communities along the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio, with dozens still missing—many from a nearby girls' summer camp.

Floods Ravage Texas Hill Country

The floods began late Friday after intense rainfall dropped 5 to 11 inches across the region. The Guadalupe River surged rapidly, cresting near 29 feet—its second-highest level on record—washing away cabins, vehicles, and entire stretches of riverfront (MySanAntonio).

Tragedy at Camp Mystic

A significant portion of the disaster's toll centers on Camp Mystic, a popular girls' summer camp in Hunt, Texas. Authorities confirm that two campers, 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla and 9-year-old Janie Hunt, are among the dead. As of Saturday morning, 23 to 25 girls remain unaccounted for out of roughly 750 who were on site (Washington Post).

Massive Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams—supported by helicopters, drones, and boats—have pulled over 850 people to safety so far, with more than 1,000 state responders deployed following a disaster declaration by Governor Greg Abbott. Of those rescued, 167 were evacuated by helicopter, many of them campers and staff from Camp Mystic (AP News).

Families, Officials Demand Answers

Questions are mounting about the lack of timely warnings. Residents report they received no alerts before water levels rose. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged the region has no formal flood warning system. As rescue efforts continue, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick pledged full state support and vowed to investigate communication failures (News4SA).

Stories of Survival

Survivors have shared harrowing accounts. One 13-year-old camper, Elinor Lester, was airlifted from the camp after crossing floodwaters by rope. Another resident, Erin Burgess, clung to a tree with her teenage son for over an hour after floodwaters submerged their home (Global News).

Looking Ahead

More rainfall is expected in the coming days, complicating recovery efforts. Power and water remain disrupted in parts of the region, and access to flood-damaged areas is limited. Officials urge residents to stay away from affected zones to allow emergency crews to continue search and recovery efforts.

This tragedy has highlighted longstanding infrastructure gaps in Texas Hill Country and the urgent need for improved early-warning systems in flood-prone areas.

Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.

nineside travel blogger

Nineside Travel

Nineside Travel

At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.

AUTHOR

nineside travel blogger

Nineside Travel

Nineside Travel

At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.

AUTHOR

Flash Floods in Texas Kill 27, Campers Still Missing

nineside travel blogger
Nineside Travel

News

Date:

Jul 5, 2025

Category:

Central Texas Flash Floods Leave 27 Dead, Search Continues for Missing Campers

At least 27 people, including nine children, have died following catastrophic flash floods in central Texas. The disaster struck communities along the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio, with dozens still missing—many from a nearby girls' summer camp.

Floods Ravage Texas Hill Country

The floods began late Friday after intense rainfall dropped 5 to 11 inches across the region. The Guadalupe River surged rapidly, cresting near 29 feet—its second-highest level on record—washing away cabins, vehicles, and entire stretches of riverfront (MySanAntonio).

Tragedy at Camp Mystic

A significant portion of the disaster's toll centers on Camp Mystic, a popular girls' summer camp in Hunt, Texas. Authorities confirm that two campers, 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla and 9-year-old Janie Hunt, are among the dead. As of Saturday morning, 23 to 25 girls remain unaccounted for out of roughly 750 who were on site (Washington Post).

Massive Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams—supported by helicopters, drones, and boats—have pulled over 850 people to safety so far, with more than 1,000 state responders deployed following a disaster declaration by Governor Greg Abbott. Of those rescued, 167 were evacuated by helicopter, many of them campers and staff from Camp Mystic (AP News).

Families, Officials Demand Answers

Questions are mounting about the lack of timely warnings. Residents report they received no alerts before water levels rose. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged the region has no formal flood warning system. As rescue efforts continue, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick pledged full state support and vowed to investigate communication failures (News4SA).

Stories of Survival

Survivors have shared harrowing accounts. One 13-year-old camper, Elinor Lester, was airlifted from the camp after crossing floodwaters by rope. Another resident, Erin Burgess, clung to a tree with her teenage son for over an hour after floodwaters submerged their home (Global News).

Looking Ahead

More rainfall is expected in the coming days, complicating recovery efforts. Power and water remain disrupted in parts of the region, and access to flood-damaged areas is limited. Officials urge residents to stay away from affected zones to allow emergency crews to continue search and recovery efforts.

This tragedy has highlighted longstanding infrastructure gaps in Texas Hill Country and the urgent need for improved early-warning systems in flood-prone areas.

Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.

nineside travel blogger

Nineside Travel

Nineside Travel

At Nineside, we believe that local businesses are the heart of every community. Our platform was created with a simple goal: to connect people with the best experiences their cities have to offer. From discovering unique businesses to attending exciting events and festivals, we strive to bring together locals, tourists, and business owners to create a more vibrant, connected world.

AUTHOR

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