On July 4, 2025, the serene Texas Hill Country was struck by a catastrophic flash flood that turned a beloved summer camp, Camp Mystic, into the epicenter of a heartbreaking tragedy. Located along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, this nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls, aged 7 to 17, faced unprecedented flooding that claimed lives, left campers missing, and shattered the hearts of families across the state. This blog post delves into the events of that fateful day, the response efforts, and the ongoing impact of this disaster.
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The Night the Guadalupe River Surged
The flooding began in the early hours of July 4, 2025, following torrential rainfall that dumped over 10 inches of water in Kerr County within a 24-hour period. The Guadalupe River, typically a picturesque feature of the Camp Mystic landscape, became a raging force, surging 22 feet in just half an hour near Comfort and reaching nearly 30 feet in Hunt. This rapid rise caught the camp unprepared, as floodwaters inundated cabins, washed away structures, and stranded hundreds of campers and staff. Camp Mystic, hosting around 750 girls that week, was hit hardest, with reports indicating that some cabins were completely swept away. The camp’s directors, Britt and Catie Eastland, issued desperate pleas for help, noting that the main highway was washed out, leaving the camp without power, water, or internet.
The suddenness of the flood was exacerbated by the lack of an effective warning system in Kerr County. County Judge Rob Kelly admitted, “We didn’t know this flood was coming,” highlighting the absence of a robust alert system, despite the area’s history of flooding, including a deadly 1987 flood that killed 10 teenagers near Comfort. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 4:30 a.m., but for many at Camp Mystic, it was too late. Campers and counselors faced harrowing escapes, with some girls, like 13-year-old Elinor Lester, describing being evacuated via helicopter while holding onto ropes amidst rushing waters.
A Massive Rescue and Recovery Effort
As the floodwaters raged, a massive search-and-rescue operation was launched. Over 500 emergency personnel, including Texas Game Wardens, the National Guard, and Houston firefighters, descended on Kerr County. Helicopters airlifted 167 people to safety, while others were evacuated by military vehicles. By Friday night, 237 individuals had been rescued, but the operation was far from over. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Larry Leitha, reported 24 confirmed fatalities, with 23 to 25 campers still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic. The Red Cross established reunification centers at Ingram Elementary School and the Arcadia Life Center in Kerrville, where anxious parents gathered, hoping for news of their daughters.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, acting governor at the time, addressed distraught parents, urging them to avoid the area due to impassable roads and promising, “We will do everything humanly possible, 24/7, to find your daughter.” The emotional toll was palpable, with parents like Ellen Toranzo and Carrie Hanna sharing photos of their missing daughters, Greta Toranzo and Hadley Hanna, both from North Texas. Social media posts reflected the desperation, with one parent, Janie Hunt’s mother, saying, “We are just praying.”
Community Response and Criticism
The Kerr County community, alongside state and federal agencies, rallied to support the rescue efforts. Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration, mobilizing resources like water rescue teams and shelters at Schreiner University and local churches. President Donald Trump pledged federal support, with the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA joining the effort. However, criticism emerged regarding the camp’s preparedness. Serena Hanor Aldrich, whose two daughters were rescued, criticized Camp Mystic’s leadership for not heeding weather alerts posted by the Texas Division of Emergency Management the previous day. The camp’s location in a known “flash flood alley” raised questions about its vulnerability, with parts of the site in a 100-year flood zone.
Despite the tragedy, stories of resilience emerged. A good Samaritan reportedly rescued two younger girls clinging to a tree downstream, and nearby camps like Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar reported all their campers safe. The outpouring of support from Texans, amplified by posts on X, underscored the community’s resolve to aid those affected.
The Road to Recovery and Reflection
As rescue efforts continue, the focus is shifting to recovery and prevention. The flooding has left Kerr County grappling with power outages, contaminated water supplies, and significant infrastructure damage. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is collecting donations to support nonprofits aiding victims. The disaster has also sparked calls for better flood warning systems and stricter regulations for camps in flood-prone areas. For Camp Mystic, which was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, the path forward is uncertain, but its legacy as a cherished retreat endures in the hearts of its community.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for preparedness in vulnerable regions. The loss of life, particularly among children, has left an indelible mark on Texas. As the state mourns, the hope remains that all missing campers will be found, and that lessons learned will prevent future heartbreak.
FAQs About the Camp Mystic Flooding
- What caused the flooding at Camp Mystic?
The flooding was triggered by over 10 inches of rain falling overnight on July 4, 2025, causing the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, reaching nearly 30 feet in Hunt, Texas, and overwhelming the camp. - How many people were affected at Camp Mystic?
Approximately 23 to 25 campers were reported missing, with 750 girls at the camp during the flood. At least 24 fatalities were confirmed in Kerr County, though it’s unclear if these included campers. - What is being done to find the missing campers?
Over 500 emergency personnel, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones are involved in search-and-rescue operations, focusing on Camp Mystic and the Guadalupe River. Reunification centers have been set up to assist families. - Why wasn’t the camp evacuated earlier?
Kerr County officials stated there was no warning system, and the flood’s severity was unexpected. Critics argue that weather alerts issued the previous day should have prompted earlier action. - How can the public help those affected?
The Red Cross is coordinating aid and can be reached at 1-800-733-2767. Donations to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country are also supporting recovery efforts.