At least 24 people have died after torrential rains triggered devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas.
The disaster unfolded early Friday morning as sudden downpours caused the river to rise by 8 meters (26 feet) in just 45 minutes, sweeping away homes, trees, and campsites.
Among the missing are 23 to 25 girls from a Christian summer camp situated on the riverbank. The camp, hosting over 700 children during the July 4 weekend, reported “catastrophic” flooding, with no access to power, water, or communication. Authorities emphasized that the missing girls may be alive but stranded in trees or out of contact.
“This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, noting that the overnight rains—up to 300mm (12 inches)—came with little warning, leaving no time for evacuation.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick described the situation as a “mass casualty event” and urged residents to pray for those missing.
“I’m asking the people of Texas to do some serious praying,” he said, as rescue teams continued to search by air and ground using helicopters, drones, and boats.
Emergency services have conducted dozens of rescues across the flooded areas, while flash flood warnings remain in effect for central and west Texas.
Officials have also warned of the threat of additional rainfall in the coming 24 to 48 hours, which could worsen conditions.
President Donald Trump called the disaster “shocking,” while Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration to speed up emergency aid.
Personnel from the US Coast Guard and FEMA have been deployed to assist local responders.
Residents are being advised to avoid travel in affected areas, where dozens of roads remain impassable.
Videos circulating online show entire structures being swept away, underscoring the scale of the destruction in what officials are calling one of the worst flood events in the region’s recent history.
