Severe Storms Trigger Deadly Flash Flooding Across Central Texas
At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and 23 girl campers are missing after catastrophic flash floods swept through parts of Central Texas on Friday, July 4, 2025. Emergency responders and rescue teams continue to search for survivors in the aftermath of the relentless storms that inundated rivers and creeks.
Heavy Rainfall and Rising Waters
According to the National Weather Service, several counties—including Travis, Hays, and Blanco—experienced unprecedented rainfall totals, with some areas recording over 12 inches within a 24-hour period. The Blanco and San Marcos Rivers rose dramatically, causing flash flooding that overwhelmed homes, roads, and recreational areas.
Authorities said the flash floods struck with little warning late Thursday night into early Friday morning, leaving residents scrambling to seek higher ground. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that floodwaters swept away multiple vehicles and inundated popular campgrounds along the rivers.
Girl Campers Missing After Campground Flooding
Officials say that 23 campers, all girls aged 8 to 15 from a local summer camp near Wimberley, are unaccounted for after floodwaters rapidly engulfed their riverside cabins. Rescue teams, including the Texas National Guard and local fire departments, are combing the area by boat and helicopter. The camp had issued a severe weather alert, but the speed of the rising water caught many off guard.
Ongoing Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for the affected counties and deployed additional rescue resources. Search operations remain complicated by debris and dangerous currents. The Red Cross has set up emergency shelters for displaced families, and local hospitals are treating dozens for injuries related to the flooding.
- 13 fatalities have been confirmed as of Saturday morning.
- Over 200 rescues have been reported across Central Texas.
- 23 girl campers remain missing; search efforts are ongoing.
Community Response and Weather Outlook
Local officials urged residents to avoid flooded roadways and to heed ongoing weather advisories, as more rain is forecast through the weekend. The National Weather Service warned that saturated ground could lead to further flash flooding.
Texas has experienced increasingly severe weather events over the past several years, with July 2025 marking some of the most destructive flash floods in recent memory. Relief and recovery efforts are expected to continue for several days as the state copes with the aftermath of this tragedy.
