Camp Mystic Flooding Today: A Catastrophic Flash Flood

What Happened — July 4–5, 2025

On the early morning of July 4, 2025, Camp Mystic, a century‑old Christian girls’ camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, was struck by a sudden flash flood. Torrential rains—reportedly up to 10–12 inches in a few hours—caused the Guadalupe River to surge 22–26 feet in less than an hour, submerging cabins and washing away roads.

Rescue operations were launched immediately. Helicopters, boats, drones, and over 400 rescue personnel worked through the night and into July 5.

Tragically, at least 24 people lost their lives, including campers and local residents. Meanwhile, about 23–25 girls remained missing as of July 5 afternoon, out of roughly 750 campers on site.

Impact on Camp Mystic

Historical Overview and Location

Flood Details

• Rainfall: 10–12 inches overnight, far exceeding forecasts of 3–6 inches.

• River surge: Gauge rose ~22 ft in 45 minutes; then failed at 29.5 ft.

• Cabins inundated: Lower cabins flooded; many cabins and roads washed away.

Immediate Response

1. Evacuation by air and land

   • Helicopters evacuated campers, especially those on Senior Hill.

   • Campers held by rope lines across bridges to safety.

2. Search & Rescue

   • Over 400 responders, including nine teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones involved.

   • 237 individuals rescued, including 167 by airlift.

3. Fatalities & Unaccounted For

   • As of 24 confirmed deaths.

   • Between 23 and 25 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, their fate unknown.

Why It Happened So Fast

Several factors amplified this event:

• Flash Flood Alley: The region’s geology—with thin soil over limestone—causes rapid runoff.

• Drought-parched ground: Soil was so dry it couldn’t absorb water, accelerating runoff .

• Lack of warning systems: Kerr County had no formal alert system; many heard only through sirens or door-to-door notices.

• Forecast misestimation: NWS predicted 3–6 inches, but 10–14 inches fell.

Community Response & Support

• Official statements:

  • Governor Abbott labeled the event “catastrophic”; disaster declaration issued; all resources mobilized.

  • Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked Texans to pray and aid in locating missing girls.

  • Former President Trump offered federal assistance.

• Local support:

  • Families posted pictures and pleas online hoping for information.

  • Organizers set up reunification centers in nearby Ingram; community rallied around rescue efforts.

What Comes Next?

• Rescue and recovery: Ongoing efforts to find missing campers—time is critical in initial 24–48 hours.

• Camp rebuilding: Infrastructure heavily damaged; roads vulnerable; full damage assessment underway.

• Safety improvements: Authorities may implement early warning systems and evacuation protocols.

• Support networks: Ongoing emotional and financial aid for families, survivors, and responders.

Factors at a Glance

• Flood speed: Comparable to a “wall of death”—22 ft surge in minutes.

• Camp capacity: ~750 campers; around 23–25 missing.

• Deaths: 24 confirmed across Kerr and Kendall Counties.

• Rescued so far: 237 people, including 167 by helicopter.

• Environmental context: Flash flood prone, drought-affected ground .

Critical Lessons and Moving Forward

1. Infrastructure is vital – Emergency sirens, cell alerts, and flood gauges can save lives.

2. Geographic risks – Even “historic” camps with deep roots must prepare for modern extremes.

3. Community resilience – Quick evacuations and mutual support prevented even greater loss.

4. Preparedness matters – Better forecasting, drills, and protocols for camps near waterways are essential.

Final Thoughts

The devastation at Camp Mystic is a heartbreaking reminder of nature’s force and the fragility of infrastructure in flash‑flood zones. As rescue teams continue their search for missing children, the community awaits answers, holds onto hope, and prepares to rebuild.

What unfolds next—whether in accountability, weather planning, or trauma support—will shape how flash‑flood prone communities adapt and protect their unique heritage sites moving forward.