Deadly Texas Floods Leave 13 Dead, Dozens Missing

Kerr County, Texas — At least 13 people, including children, have been confirmed dead and around 20 remain missing following catastrophic floods triggered by torrential rains in Texas, local authorities announced Friday.

Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County confirmed the death toll during a press briefing, warning that the number could rise as search and rescue efforts continue. “So far, we’ve counted 13 deaths,” Leitha said. “There will likely be more by the time this is all over.”

Earlier, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reported that between six and ten people had died, including several children, and that around 20 individuals were unaccounted for. Many of the missing were reportedly participants in a girls’ summer camp in the flood-stricken area.

“We have no news of about 20 children out of the 750 who attended the camp,” Patrick told reporters. “That doesn’t necessarily mean they are among the victims—they could be trapped or without communication.”

Patrick also relayed a message from the camp director, who described the situation as “catastrophic,” noting there was no electricity, no running water, and no WiFi access at the site.

According to emergency officials, the Guadalupe River, which runs through the affected region, rose approximately eight meters within 45 minutes. Rainfall reached nearly 300 millimeters per hour—about one-third of the area’s average annual precipitation.

Dramatic videos shared on social media show homes, trees, and debris being swept away by powerful floodwaters.

Rapid Flooding and Response: Sheriff Rob Kelly emphasized the speed and severity of the flooding, which began around 4:00 a.m. “This region is no stranger to floods,” Kelly said. “This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States. But there was no indication it would be this extreme.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted a video on social media platform X showing a dramatic helicopter rescue, with a survivor being lifted from a tree above swirling floodwaters. “Air rescue missions like this are ongoing around the clock,” Abbott said. “We will not stop until everyone is accounted for.”

State and federal agencies have mobilized extensive resources, with 500 first responders, 14 helicopters, the Texas National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard participating in the rescue efforts.

More Rain Expected: Though the rain has briefly subsided, officials are bracing for another wave. Texas Public Safety Director Freeman Martin warned that more storms are forecast for the San Antonio and Austin areas. “The worst may not be over,” he said.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for south-central Kerr County, urging residents to stay off the roads and advising those near the Guadalupe River to seek higher ground.

This tragedy follows deadly flooding in mid-June that killed at least 10 people in San Antonio.

Elsewhere, in New Jersey, two people were killed during a violent storm when a tree fell on their vehicle, according to local police.