Severe Independence Day Flood in Texas Takes 24 Lives, More Damage Expected

Tragic Flooding in Kerr County, Texas

Governor Greg Abbott has reported that the flooding incident on Independence Day in Kerr County, Texas, has resulted in a minimum of 24 fatalities. Nearly 240 individuals have been rescued, but 23 girls remain unaccounted for from the Riverside camp near Hunt, Texas. The slow-moving storm poses a continued risk of flooding in rural areas of the northeastern hills.

During a press conference in Kerrville, Abbott characterized the flooding event as “a massive casualty incident.” He has signed a disaster declaration to request federal support.

“We need God now more than ever as a nation,” Abbott said in a storm update. He emphasized the importance of the community coming together during such challenging times. The governor’s disaster declaration aims to equip Kerr County with the necessary resources and personnel to manage the crisis.

Abbott confirmed that along with the 24 fatalities, there are 25 girls still missing from Camp Mystic. He mentioned that 237 individuals have been rescued from the floodwaters.

President Donald Trump described the flooding as “shocking and terrible,” assuring that the federal government would provide full support.

Tragically, the director of Hills Camp, Jane Ragsdale, has been confirmed deceased. She had served as camp director since 1988 and was well-regarded in the community.

The Hunt area, located northwest of Carville, is known for its numerous summer camps along the Guadalupe River.

Additionally, a couple, Robert Blake Sr. and his wife Joni, were also reported lost in the flood that hit a campsite near Ingram in the early hours of Friday. The floodwaters rose an alarming 26 feet within three hours, resulting from heavy rainfall that persisted, leaving behind seven inches in a very short time.

As the day progressed, the storm began moving northeast, threatening communities such as Fredericksburg, Austin, and Marble Falls, while sending significant rainfall towards San Antonio and areas heading north to Austin.

A video shared on social media showed a rescue operation in progress, where a man was saved while perched in a tree as Tiboro Creek transformed into a raging river.