Flash floods in Texas: at least 24 dead and 20 girls missing

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said during a news conference Friday night that the state is committing all the necessary resources to continue with a search and rescue mission, including members of the Texas National Guard and state troopers.

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At least 24 people were dead and many missing after a storm unleashed nearly a foot of rain just before dawn Friday and sent floodwaters gushing out of the Guadalupe River, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha told reporters Friday evening. The flood-prone region known as Hill Country is dotted with century-old summer camps that draw thousands of kids annually from across the Lone Star State.

There was little warning as the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (7.9m) in less than an hour and flooding that followed swept away mobile homes, vehicles and holiday cabins where people were spending the 4 July weekend.

A Tragedy Unfolds Across the Lone Star State

Texas is no stranger to extreme weather, but the recent flash floods that swept across the state have taken a tragic toll. Over the past few days, torrential rains triggered a series of sudden and powerful floods, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least 24 people and the disappearance of 20 young girls, believed to have been part of a summer retreat in the Hill Country region.

How Did It Happen?

The floods were the result of an intense low-pressure system that parked itself over Central and Eastern Texas, dumping over 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours in some areas. Rivers burst their banks. Streets turned into raging rivers. Neighborhoods disappeared underwater.

According to meteorologists, this is one of the most aggressive flash flood events in the region’s recent memory. Areas like Austin, San Marcos, and Wimberley saw rapid water rises of over 20 feet in mere hours, overwhelming infrastructure and giving residents little time to react.

The Search for the Missing Girls

Among the hardest-hit stories is the disappearance of 20 girls, aged between 11 and 15, who were attending a leadership camp in Blanco County. According to camp coordinators, the girls were staying in a riverside lodge when the river began rising unexpectedly around 2:30 a.m. Despite evacuation efforts, rising waters flooded the campgrounds faster than anyone could predict.

Rescue crews, including the Texas National Guard and FEMA, have launched round-the-clock search operations. Helicopters, boats, and K-9 units are combing through debris and flood zones in the hopes of finding the girls alive. While hope remains, rescue officials have acknowledged that time is critical, and conditions are dangerous.

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts

First responders across the state are working tirelessly. More than 1,500 emergency personnel have been deployed, and over 300 water rescues have been recorded in just 48 hours. In Harris County alone, the sheriff’s office reported rescuing more than 100 people stranded on rooftops or clinging to trees.

Temporary shelters have been set up in schools, churches, and even shopping malls to accommodate displaced families. The Red Cross and local charities are distributing water, food, and hygiene kits to those affected.

The Stories of Survival

Amid the heartbreak, there are stories of heroism and survival that shine through the chaos. One woman in San Antonio, Carla Mendez, described how she clung to a fence post with her 4-year-old son for nearly three hours before being rescued by a volunteer in a kayak. “The current was so strong. I thought we were gone,” she said with tears in her eyes. “But we made it.”

In another case, a retired marine swam across a flooded intersection multiple times to pull elderly residents from their submerged vehicles. “You don’t think. You just act,” he told reporters.

What Authorities Are Saying

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in more than 30 counties. “This is a historic flooding event,” he said during a press briefing. “We will use every available resource to assist in rescue operations, find the missing, and begin the recovery process.”

The governor also urged Texans to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and never attempt to drive through flooded roads. “Turn around, don’t drown,” he reminded the public—a familiar phrase during flood season.

The Bigger Picture: Why Flash Floods Are Getting Worse

While Texas has always been vulnerable to flooding, experts are warning that climate change may be amplifying the frequency and severity of such extreme events. Warmer air holds more moisture, and when that moisture is released, the result can be catastrophic rainstorms.

“This isn’t just a freak event,” said Dr. Lauren Richter, a climate scientist at the University of Texas. “We’re seeing a pattern of heavier rainfall, more intense storms, and unfortunately, more destruction.”

The Legal and Emotional Fallout

Families of the victims and the missing are now beginning to ask hard questions. Were there adequate warnings? Could more have been done to prevent the tragedy at the girls’ camp? Legal experts suggest that lawsuits and investigations are likely to follow, especially if it’s found that negligence played a role in the deaths or disappearances.

Those affected may also seek legal advice. In many disaster-related cases involving injury or negligence, individuals turn to law firms like MAXWIN288, known for handling high-profile personal injury and liability cases.

Community Support and Donations

Texans are coming together in ways only Texans can. Community fundraisers, food drives, and GoFundMe campaigns have popped up almost overnight. People from nearby counties are donating blankets, bottled water, and clothes to those in need.

Even local businesses are stepping up—restaurants offering free meals, hotels opening rooms to evacuees, and pet shelters waiving fees to house displaced animals.

If you’re looking to help or donate, officials recommend verified organizations like the Central Texas Food Bank, the Austin Disaster Relief Network, or the Texas Diaper Bank.

Hope Amid the Rubble

While the floodwaters may take days to fully recede, the spirit of resilience is already visible. Volunteers in knee-high boots walk side-by-side with first responders. Churches ring bells at noon in honor of the lost. School counselors have begun setting up trauma support groups for children affected by the disaster.

As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on the missing. The families of the 20 girls have asked the public to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. “We are holding onto hope,” one mother said. “We have to believe they’re out there.”

A State in Mourning, A Community Rebuilding

As Texas picks up the pieces from this natural catastrophe, it’s clear that the road to healing will be long. From the emotional scars left behind to the physical damage across entire towns, the aftermath of the flash floods will take months—if not years—to fully resolve.

Yet amid the sorrow, there’s unity. And in that unity, there’s strength. From families waiting on news to the strangers who became heroes overnight, the message is clear: Texas stands together.

And for those who have been directly affected, help is only a click away. Whether it’s seeking justice or guidance in a time of need, options like MAXWIN288 LOGIN can help individuals find the support they deserve.

This article will be updated as more details emerge.