TienmhsSearch and rescue efforts continued Sunday as the death toll from catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas grew to 81 people Sunday afternoon, including at least 28 children.
The vast majority of the deaths, 68, have occurred in Kerr County, where rescuers are still searching for 11 girls reported missing after flooding at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp. The bodies of three North Texas girls who attended the camp are among those recovered. In Kerr County, officials say 40 adults and 28 children have been killed.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday afternoon there were 41 identified people known to be missing after the floods.
The latest updates are below.
A pair of twins started a lemonade stand to help raise money for Camp Mystic. NBC 5’s Sophia Beausoleil stopped by to learn more.
People across the Lone Star State are trying to find ways to help Central Texas and the Hill Country after flash flooding devastated the area over the Fourth of July weekend. Officials said more than 80 people are dead and more than 20 missing, including girls from a summer camp.
Kerr County saw the most amount of deaths so far, with 68 people deceased. 40 are adults, 28 are children. According to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, 10 Camp Mystic girls are unaccounted for, along with one counselor.
“It’s just heartbreaking. I mean, as a mother, it’s heartbreaking,” said Lisa Camp, whose children recently returned from summer camps along the Guadalupe River. “We just feel very helpless and are hurting and praying for all those involved.”
Camp said her 9-year-old daughter, Corrigan, returned from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp, two weeks ago.
Good Shepherd Episcopal School’s relief team is heading to Hunt to serve meals and support families after devastating Texas floods.
NBC 5’s Allie Spillyards talks about potential next steps for Hill Country as the impacted areas move towards recovery.
A pair of twins started a lemonade stand to help raise money for Camp Mystic. NBC 5’s Sophia Beausoleil stopped by to learn more.
After deadly floodwaters swept through Central Texas, there are growing questions about the timeline of issued weather alerts and possible gaps in the warning system.
Camp Mystic, the site where 10 girls are still currently missing along with a counselor, released the following statement Sunday night about the flooding in Central Texas:
Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of our beloved campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River. Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly. We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level. We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us.
NBC 5’s Allie Spillyards spoke with search and rescue teams in Kerrville, Texas.
NBC 5’s Brian Curtis spoke with a flood survivor in Kerrville, Texas.
After deadly floodwaters swept through Central Texas, there are growing questions about the timeline of issued weather alerts and possible gaps in the warning system.
After deadly floodwaters swept through Central Texas, there are growing questions about the timeline of issued weather alerts and possible gaps in the warning system.
At a news conference on Sunday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott suggested flash flood alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) did not fully convey the risks.
“To most people in the area, flash flooding would mean one thing, not what it turned out to be,” Abbott said. “There’s the potential for flash flooding, but there’s no expectation of a water wall of almost 30 feet high.”
NBC 5 Investigates reviewed the National Weather Service’s alerts sent on Thursday and found forecasters began warning of potentially dangerous flooding in Kerr County about 12 hours ahead of the storm.
NBC 5’s Brian Curtis shared photos of the debris and devastation in Kerrville, Texas.
Good Shepherd Episcopal School’s relief team is heading to Hunt to serve meals and support families after devastating Texas floods.
Parents and faculty from Good Shepherd Episcopal School in Dallas are preparing to help with disaster response following the floods in the Hill Country.
Members of the school’s Disaster Relief & Recovery Team spent Sunday loading trucks with donated items.
Parent Dave Harrell helped organize relief efforts, working with students, some of whom attended Camp Mystic, to collect donations from the community and organize supplies.
Assistant Director of Development Andy Blount said they have been communicating with a church in Kerr County about immediate needs. Their plan is to drive to Hunt on Monday to provide hot meals and comfort to first responders, volunteers and families.
Harber family
Blair and Brooke Harber
Blair and Brooke Harber, sisters and students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, died after their cabin along the Guadalupe River was swept away, according to the school.
Pastor Joshua J. Whitfield of St. Rita Catholic Community, which shares a campus with the school, said the girls’ parents, Annie and RJ Harber, were staying in a different cabin and were safe. Their grandparents remain unaccounted for. Annie Harber has been a longtime teacher at the school.
According to the school, on the night they died, they went to the loft of their cabin with their rosaries.
“When Blair and Brooke were found the next day, fifteen miles downriver, they were together. Even in their last moments, they held tightly to each other, a powerful symbol of their lasting bond and their trust in God.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Tavia Hunt, wife of Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, announced the heartbreaking death of a young cousin in the flash flood that struck Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River.
“Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberly and the tragic loss of so many lives — including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls,” Hunt wrote.
As Texans grieve the immense loss from these floods, Texas A&M University System says their crews have been risking their lives to rescue those trapped by rising waters across Central Texas and the Hill Country.
“These floods have devastated families across Texas and our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “At the same time, I am profoundly grateful to the A&M System employees and emergency responders… Your courage, skill, and selflessness embody what public service is all about.”
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he expects to visit Central Texas on Friday in the wake of the flash flooding disaster.
“Probably on Friday. We want to leave a little time. I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” Trump told reporters when asked if he had plans to visit Texas.
NBC 5’s Keenan Willard spoke with those searching for missing persons is in Hunt, Texas.
Search and rescue efforts were paused in Kerrville, Texas on Sunday afternoon due to concerns of rising water. NBC 5’s Allie Spillyards is at the scene.
Officials in Kerr County shared the latest on flood search and rescue operations on Sunday afternoon. They also confirmed that they are committed to a full review of the emergency notification system.
At least two of the girls killed when floodwaters overtook Camp Mystic in Central Texas on Friday attended elementary school in Highland Park.
On Sunday, the Highland Park ISD issued a statement saying it planned to offer counselors to any student struggling with the tragedy.
“Our hearts are heavy as we share the tragic news of the devastating floods that occurred in the Texas Hill Country. Counseling services will be offered this week to assist students and staff as they navigate this difficult time,” the district said. “We encourage any HPISD student who may need to talk with a counselor to take advantage of these resources.”
The HPISD said counselors will be available at Boone Elementary on Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Several families gathered at Bradfield Elementary on Sunday to place ribbons throughout the neighborhood for both Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, Dallas-area best friends who died in the flooding.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he visited Camp Mystic on Saturday and that what happened there was “nothing short of horrific” to “see what those young children went through.”
Officials in Kerr County shared the latest on flood search and rescue operations on Sunday afternoon.
County officials confirmed 68 deaths, 40 adults and 28 kids, in Kerr County. Search and rescue efforts are still looking for 10 Camp Mystic campers and one camp counselor, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.
Officials also confirmed that State Highway 39 west of Ingram has been closed off to non-emergency traffic to ensure search and rescue efforts are not interfered with.
The safety of first responders is a top concern and teams have been pulled out as officials assess if the area is safe to continue searching, city officials said in a press conference on Sunday afternoon.
“Nothing is more important than bringing comfort and clarity to those who are waiting and grieving,” Kerrville City Manager Datlon Rice said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott provided an update Sunday afternoon on the state’s ongoing response to severe flooding impacting parts of the state. The governor confirmed 11 children are among 41 people missing in the area and that the death toll has grown to 69.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday afternoon that 41 people had been identified as missing related to flooding across Central Texas.
The governor did not release their list of names but did confirm rescuers are still looking for 11 missing children from Camp Mystic. Abbott said many of the identified people missing were adults camping out near the river in tents or RVs.
“There are people who are missing who are not on the known confirmed missing [list] because we don’t know who they are,” Abbott said.
Anyone with a friend or loved one that they have confirmed is missing should call local officials in Kerr County to ensure officials know that person’s name. County officials said people should call 830-258-1111 with missing persons reports or to check on the status of their loved ones.
A report from the National Hurricane Center says 68 people died in Texas during Hurricane Harvey (2018) as a direct result of the storm.
On Sunday morning, the total number of confirmed deaths from Central Texas flooding was 69, which included 59 in Kerr County, four from Travis County, four from Burnet County and one each from Tom Green and Kendall counties.
There are about three dozen additional deaths tied to Hurricane Harvey that were indirectly related to the storm and are not included in the number above.
Camp Mystic, the site where 11 girls are still currently missing, released the following statement regarding the flooding:
“Camp Mystic is deeply saddened to confirm that following the sudden catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, we lost 27 people and some remain unaccounted for. This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community. Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers. We have been in communication with local and state authorities, who are deploying extensive resources to search for the missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, first responders, and officials at every level. We ask for continued prayers for the families affected as rescue efforts proceed.”
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush are in Kennebunkport, Maine, but shared the following statement on Sunday about the flooding in Central Texas, calling for prayer and thanking the first responders searching for the missing children.
“On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know. We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.”
The Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and NFL Foundation announced a combined $1.5 million donation to communities impacted by the Central Texas floods.
Singer Shakira dedicated her concert in San Antonio Saturday night to victims of the devastating floods in Central Texas.
Colombian singer Shakira was in San Antonio Saturday night for a rescheduled concert on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour and addressed the disaster relief efforts after devastating flooding in the Hill Country.
Even before taking the stage at the Alamodome, Shakira took to X to announce that a portion of the proceeds from Saturday night’s concert would be given to Catholic Charities of San Antonio to help the families impacted. She urged followers to join in giving.
Midway through the concert, a hush fell over the crowd as Shakira spoke to thousands of her fans about the devastating floods that claimed dozens of lives in Central Texas.
“I want to dedicate this concert to those no longer with us,” she said, urging the crowd to appreciate and celebrate moments with loved ones.
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
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.
The National Weather Service shared a timeline of alerts sent ahead of catastrophic flooding in Texas after an NYT report questioned whether staffing shortages may have made it harder for forecasters to coordinate responses with local emergency management officials.
The NWS said that on the morning of July 3, the office in Austin/San Antonio held forecast briefings for emergency management and issued a Flood Watch that afternoon. The NWS said Flash Flood Warnings were issued on the night of July 3 and in the early morning of July 4, “giving preliminary lead times of more than three hours before warning criteria were met.”
An unedited timeline provided by the NWS is below.
The NWS said it was “heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in Kerr County” and that it “remains committed to our mission to serve the American public through our forecasts and decision support services.”
A Dallas teenager evacuated from Camp Mystic after deadly flooding in Central Texas described the devastation.
Stella Thompson, 13, told NBC 5’s Katy Blakey that her cabin lost power overnight but stayed dry.
Thompson said she and her bunkmates weren’t aware of the rapidly rising water in the Guadalupe River or that it had inundated cabins on the other side of the camp and swept away dozens of their fellow campers.
“Eventually, when we got that news, we were all kind of hysterical, and the whole cabin was praying a lot and terrified – but not for ourselves,” Thompson said.
In the full story, Thompson recounts the destruction and the rescue efforts she witnessed.
On Saturday, U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, who represents Texas’s 11th congressional district, said on social media Saturday that his two daughters were among those evacuated from Camp Mystic.
“Camille, Vivian and I are now reunited with Caroline and Juliana who were evacuated from Camp Mystic. The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors,” Pfluger wrote.
“We want to thank the first responders who have come from far and wide to save lives. The TX Division of Emergency Management has been incredible and the White House, DHS, FEMA, DPS and local officials have all been responsive and helpful,” Pfluger said. “Please join us today as we pray for miracles.”
Pfluger also tweeted about Camp Mystic Director Dick Eastland who was killed in the flooding.
“Camp Mystic’s Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers. For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you,” Pfluger wrote.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press conference to provide an update on Texas’ ongoing response to severe flooding impacting parts of the state at the State Operations Center in Austin.
The Governor will be joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Colonel Jason Taylor, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Lower Colorado River Authority General Manager Phil Wilson and other state and local officials.
Kerr County officials previously announced they would also hold a news conference on Sunday at 3 p.m. It’s unclear if that will start on time.
That news conference will be streamed at the top of this page.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice and Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. offer an update on the flood rescue and recovery efforts.
During a news conference Saturday afternoon, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he expanded a disaster declaration to include more counties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was activated in Texas after President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County.
Flash floods tore through the Guadalupe River corridor Friday morning, killing at least 59 people, including 38 adults and 21 children. Many remain unaccounted for, including 11 children missing from Camp Mystic.
FEMA will work with Texas state and local authorities to aid in the search and rescue efforts, according to a U.S. Homeland Security press release sent out Sunday morning.
Shortly before FEMA was activated, Trump announced the declaration via Truth Social, commending Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the U.S. Coast Guard and first responders for their efforts.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leigha confirmed Sunday morning that the bodies of 59 people had been recovered so far in Kerr County, including 38 adults and 21 children. Of those recovered, Leitha said, 18 adults and four children remain unidentified.
Leigha said he expects the number to continue to rise. Leitha said more than 400 first responders from 20 agencies were working in Kerr County, along with a dozen K-9s aiding search and rescue along the river.
County officials have not speculated on the number of people missing in the Guadalupe Valley corridor.
Ten flooding deaths were reported elsewhere in Central Texas, including four in Travis County, four in Burnet County, and one in Kendall and Tom Green counties.
President Donald Trump said Sunday he’s signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to ensure the area has the resources needed while recovering from tragic flooding that’s killed nearly 70 people so far.
“I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
Video along the Guadalupe River shows the power of the floodwaters that damaged buildings, moved cars and flattened trees. Meanwhile, searchers vow they will not give up even in the dark of the night.
Devastating flash floods from a storm that pounded central Texas have killed at least 51 people. Officials say the death toll is 43 and likely to grow in the hardest-hit area of Kerr County. Authorities said at a news conference Saturday that 15 of the victims were children.
The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet on the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles.
Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that crews would work around the clock to rescue and recover victims.
Join NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 in our efforts to help those whose lives have been upended by recent storms and record flooding, as well as countless other crises.
Video along the Guadalupe River shows the power of the floodwaters that damaged buildings, moved cars and flattened trees. Meanwhile, searchers vow they will not give up even in the dark of the night.
The grueling, desperate search for 27 missing girls stretched into a third day on Sunday after raging floodwaters surged into a summer camp as rescuers maneuvered through challenging terrain, while Texans were asked to pray that any survivors would be found.
At least 51 people, including 15 children, were killed, with most of the deaths coming in Kerr County in the state’s Hill Country. Besides the 43 dead in Kerr County, four deaths were reported in Travis, three in Burnet and 1 in Kendall.
Rescuers dealt with broken trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris in a difficult task to find survivors. Authorities still have not said how many people were missing beyond the children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County where most of the dead were recovered.
With each passing hour, the outlook became more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone began searching the riverbanks despite being asked not to do so.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared Sunday, July 6, as a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods in the Hill Country.
“I invite Texans to join me in prayer for the communities affected by this disaster,” he said after signing the following proclamation:
Video shows the power of the floodwaters along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville Friday night.
Following deadly flooding over the holiday weekend, North Texans are seeing appeals for donations. Read on for how to help ensure your support reaches people who need it.
Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe launched this hub where donors can search for Texas flooding fundraisers verified by its team. GoFundMe said its Trust & Safety team will continue to update the hub as additional fundraisers are reviewed. GoFundMe said funds are held for the named recipient of the campaign. If questions arise, GoFundMe said its payment processors will hold the funds until the beneficiary is confirmed.
North Texans who plan to donate to any online fundraising campaign should look for the platform’s policies. Does a platform screen donation requests? Understand how much of your donation would be used to pay processing fees. Look for details about when and how the money would be transferred to the beneficiary.
Before donating, look for specifics from the person who set up the crowdfunding campaign. Where is the money is going and what it would be used for? Is there a clear connection to the victims? Even if photos are included in the fundraising effort, don’t assume the campaign is connected to the victims.
Join NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 in our efforts to help those whose lives have been upended by recent storms and record flooding, as well as countless other crises. You can help by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your financial donation helps provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters like the one in Texas.
In response to questions about what people can do to help the area recover from the deadly flood, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) charity serving the Texas Hill Country, has established a relief fund to support vetted local response, relief and recovery efforts. Organizers said all donations go directly to organizations working on the front lines of the July 4 flooding emergency. All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your gift. To learn more or donate, visit the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country here.
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