Frantic search for missing campers underway after deadly Texas floods kill 24

At least 24 people have died and dozens remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country, with an urgent search underway for more than 20 girls from a summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

The disaster unfolded early Friday when nearly a foot of rain pounded the region, triggering sudden flooding that washed away homes, vehicles, and parts of the landscape.

Authorities said hundreds have been rescued across Kerr County, including at least 167 airlifted by helicopter. Officials confirmed that between 23 and 25 of the missing are attendees of Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.

Families have flooded social media with pleas for information about their loved ones, as recovery teams continue their efforts.

“The entire camp was wiped out,” said 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester. She described being awoken around 1:30 a.m. by the storm and later guided across a bridge, holding onto ropes for safety as water surged around them.

The floodwaters rose rapidly, catching residents, officials, and campers off guard despite forecasts predicting heavy rain. Authorities admitted the storm's intensity far exceeded expectations, with rainfall totals equating to several months' worth in just hours.

A river gauge near Hunt recorded the Guadalupe River rising 22 feet in just two hours before the gauge malfunctioned at 29.5 feet, according to meteorologist Bob Fogarty. "The water was moving so fast, people didn't realize the danger until it was too late," he said.

At least 400 emergency responders, along with helicopters, drones, and specialized rescue teams, are scouring the flood-affected areas. Some people were rescued from treetops, officials said.

Erin Burgess, a resident of Ingram, recounted how floodwaters invaded her home within minutes after 3:30 a.m. She and her son clung to a tree for nearly an hour before escaping. "My boyfriend and our dog were swept away, but thankfully, we found them," she said.

Others were caught off guard by the disaster. Kerrville resident Matthew Stone said there were no emergency alerts before the floods hit. "We got no warnings, just a black wall of water," he recalled.

At an emergency reunification center in Ingram, families anxiously waited for news. Some burst into tears as evacuees arrived, including a young girl from Camp Mystic sobbing in her mother's arms.

Many described terrifying escapes, including Barry Adelman, whose family — spanning four generations — took refuge in their attic as water levels climbed. "I had to tell my grandson everything would be okay, but I was terrified inside," Adelman said.

Despite official statements defending preparations, some residents questioned why more proactive warnings were not issued. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged there is no countywide emergency warning system. "No one anticipated flooding of this scale," he insisted.

The region, often called "flash flood alley," is notorious for such disasters due to the thin soil atop its hills, which causes rainwater to run off quickly, explained Austin Dickson, head of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

The Guadalupe River, typically a scenic attraction drawing tourists and summer campers from across the U.S., turned deadly overnight. Centuries-old camps like Mystic are an integral part of the local economy and culture, now left reeling by the disaster.

Efforts to locate the missing and assist survivors continue as the Hill Country grapples with one of the deadliest flood events in recent memory.