Kerr County, Texas, is reeling from catastrophic flooding triggered by an exceptional rainfall event on July 4, 2025. Up to 12 inches of rain fell within hours, generating an estimated 100 billion gallons of water, exceeding the daily flow of Niagara Falls.
The Guadalupe River surged dramatically, reaching its second-highest recorded level, surpassing the 1987 flood. This rapid rise caused widespread devastation, resulting in at least 51 confirmed fatalities, including 15 children. Search and rescue teams are still searching for 27 missing individuals, primarily campers from Camp Mystic.
Over 850 people were rescued in the initial 36 hours of the crisis. The Texas National Guard and various agencies are actively involved in search and rescue operations. Evacuation orders were issued for areas along the Guadalupe River, and reunification centers have been established to aid those affected. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster, mobilizing resources for recovery efforts, and the community has responded with extensive volunteer support.
As of July 6, 2025, recovery operations are ongoing, with authorities focused on locating the missing and assisting displaced residents. The scale of the disaster underscores the impact of extreme weather events.