More than 230 people have been rescued as devastating floods swept through Texas Hill Country, prompting a massive response involving helicopters, rescue teams, and federal aid.
Officials said helicopters with hoists pulled survivors from rooftops and trees, including dozens of children stranded at Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp near the Guadalupe River. By Friday night, 237 people had been rescued, with 167 of them airlifted to safety, according to Major General Thomas Suelzer, Adjutant General of Texas.
The floods, triggered by more than 10 inches of rain in parts of Kerr County within 24 hours, caused the Guadalupe River to surge 22 feet in just 30 minutes, smashing previous flood records and leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Children Rescued from Camp Mystic
A dramatic rescue unfolded at Camp Mystic, where helicopters transported children to safety Friday, video from NBC affiliate WOAI showed. Texas Game Wardens later confirmed they had reached the camp with vehicles and were bringing more campers out.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick acknowledged that approximately 20 children remained unaccounted for but stressed that did not mean they were lost.
“They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication,” Patrick said. “We’re praying for all of those missing to be found alive.”
Camp Mystic, located about two hours west of Austin, serves girls ages 7 to 17 and was preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
Lives Lost, Homes Swept Away
Survivors described harrowing scenes of destruction. One man in Kerrville said his brother’s home—and his brother’s entire family—were swept away by the flood.
“We lost everything. A lot of people lost everything,” another resident told WOAI. “Nobody expected this.”
Video from Kerr County showed homes with shattered windows, ripped-off doors, and vehicles carried away by raging floodwaters.
State and Federal Response
More than 400 personnel were on the ground responding to the disaster, with the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA activated, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Lieutenant Governor Patrick confirmed communication with President Donald Trump, who described the floods as “terrible” and pledged federal assistance.
“We’re working with the governor. It’s a terrible thing,” Trump said Friday night aboard Air Force One.
Senator Ted Cruz echoed calls for prayers and assistance, stating that Trump had committed “anything Texas needs.”
Flooding Threat Continues
Flood warnings remain in effect across Texas, with the threat of flash flooding expected to continue through the weekend.
The Guadalupe River crested at Kerrville and Comfort Friday evening but was not expected to crest downstream until Saturday morning. Near Spring Branch, the river is forecast to rise to 37.2 feet, classified as moderate flood stage, early Saturday.
NBC meteorologist Bill Karins explained the situation was worsened by the region’s hilly terrain, which accelerates water runoff into streams and rivers.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed five of the fatalities occurred in the Houston area.
“All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event,” she wrote on X.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as search-and-rescue operations continue and floodwaters remain dangerously high.
