Fri Jul 04 23:13:15 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Texas Floods Claim at Least 24 Lives, Search Continues for Missing Campers**

KERR COUNTY, Texas – Devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas have claimed the lives of at least 24 people and left rescue teams scrambling to locate dozens still missing. The torrential rains, which dumped up to 12 inches (300mm) of rain in a short period, triggered a flash flood emergency in parts of Kerr County, about 65 miles (105km) northwest of San Antonio.

Among the missing are 23 to 25 individuals, mostly young girls, who were unaccounted for at an all-girls Christian summer camp situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Parents have taken to social media, posting photos of their daughters in a desperate plea for information.

“This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time that could not be predicted,” stated Kerville City Manager Dalton Rice, explaining that the extreme flooding struck before dawn with little to no warning, making evacuations impossible.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that the fact that the girls were listed as “unaccounted for” didn’t necessarily mean the worst. “They could be in a tree, they could be out of communication,” he said.

Search efforts are ongoing, with 14 helicopters and a dozen drones, along with hundreds of emergency personnel on the ground, working to rescue victims from trees and swift-flowing water. The Guadalupe River reportedly rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes.

The summer camp, housing over 700 campers for the July 4th holiday, reported “catastrophic level of flooding” and is without power, water, or Wi-Fi.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration to expedite emergency assistance to the affected counties. The US Coast Guard and FEMA are also assisting local authorities. With more rain forecast for the region, officials warn of potential further flooding.

“I’m asking the people of Texas, do some serious praying this afternoon. On-your-knees kind of praying, that we find these young girls,” said Patrick.

President Trump called the floods “terrible” and “shocking.” The situation is ongoing and considered a “mass casualty event.”

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