Sudden Floods Leave Kerr County Reeling
Texas' Hill Country is known for peaceful river retreats, but this week it transformed into a zone of devastation. Torrential downpours—up to 10 inches in just hours—hit central Kerr County, sending the Guadalupe River roaring far beyond its usual boundaries. Neighborhoods and riverfront campsites found themselves underwater within minutes, as emergency warnings gave way to frantic 911 calls. People celebrating Independence Day by the riverside suddenly found themselves scrambling for higher ground. Local officials called the scene "unpredictable," as waters rose faster than many thought possible.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed that 24 people have died. Many of the victims have yet to be identified. Some were found without any form of ID, making the job for coroners especially challenging. Emergency crews rushed to perform dozens of water rescues—pulling families from rooftops and pulling stranded campers from trees and trailers. Yet, no one knows exactly how many people remain missing. Local authorities say the real number could stay unclear for days, perhaps longer, as river currents keep shifting the muddy landscape.
Tracking the Missing and Navigating Difficult Terrain
Searchers face a labyrinth of rural roads, river bends, and tangled woods. Rescue teams in boats and helicopters are pushing deeper into isolated areas, some so washed out that even their trucks can't get through. The floods came just as locals and campers had gathered for July 4th festivities, adding to the confusion. Many campers weren't from the area, and some who managed to escape were too shaken to communicate their names or details to rescuers, further hampering identification.
Officials say dozens of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Cell service in pockets of Kerr County still flickers on and off, making it tough for survivors to call for help or reassure their families. Wildlife habitats along the river—usually filled with summer vacationers—now resemble islands surrounded by dangerous currents. Emergency management teams admit they're racing against time, worried about finding more victims as the search continues. The focus right now is to keep up the rescue work, help anxious relatives find news about missing loved ones, and bring some order back to communities blindsided by the floodwaters.