KERRVILLE, Texas — A devastating flood swept through central Kerr County, prompting urgent appeals on social media from families searching for loved ones amid the chaos. The torrential rains, which recorded over 10 inches overnight, sparked flash flooding of the Guadalupe River and left nearly a dozen people unaccounted for, including a number of campers.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced that initial reports indicated between six and ten bodies had been recovered in the ongoing search for victims. However, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha later confirmed a more dire toll, stating that the flooding had resulted in at least 13 confirmed fatalities. Among the missing are about 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a summer camp for young women in the area.
As rescue teams activated amid the turmoil, Patrick addressed the public, emphasizing the need for collective prayers. “Some are adults, some are children,” he remarked, noting the uncertainty surrounding the identified bodies. He urged Texans to come together in hope for the safe return of those still missing, especially the campers.
In the aftermath of the flooding, the Kerr County sheriff’s office became a hub for community concern, with countless comments flooding in from families desperate for information on missing loved ones. One mother expressed her anguish over being unable to reach her daughter, who had rented a cabin for a holiday getaway, and pleaded for updates on evacuations.
Judge Rob Kelly, the county’s chief elected official, confirmed ongoing rescue efforts but refrained from detailing specific casualty figures. He explained that many of the deceased lacked identification, complicating efforts to notify family members. “One of the victims was found without any ID on them at all,” Kelly disclosed.
The flood’s sudden onset caught many residents off guard. Erin Burgess shared her harrowing experience as a torrent invaded her home in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood. After initially dismissing the storm’s intensity, she found herself clinging to a tree with her son while her boyfriend and dog were temporarily swept away. “Thankfully he’s over 6 feet tall. That’s the only thing that saved me, was hanging on to him,” she said tearfully.
Local officials acknowledged the lack of a proper flood warning system, leading to heightened frustration among residents. “We didn’t know this flood was coming,” Kelly insisted, clarifying that while the area is prone to flooding events, the scale of this incident was also unforeseen.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged state resources to assist the communities impacted by the flooding in Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt, all of which are popular summer retreats known for their scenic beauty. As concerns grow for areas downstream, local authorities have begun preventive measures, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.
The Guadalupe River, renowned for its picturesque landscape, recorded a dramatic rise of 22 feet in just two hours, highlighting the river’s volatile nature during heavy rains. Meteorologists have warned that such conditions can strike suddenly, leaving little time for residents to react effectively.
The situation remains fluid as search and rescue operations continue, with many families still waiting for news. Parents of campers from various local summer camps are anxiously monitoring updates, reaching out through social media platforms in the hope of connecting with their children or learning more about ongoing rescue efforts.