A sudden wall of water from the Guadalupe River devastated Kerr County, Texas, early Friday. Torrential rains caused the river to surge over 20 feet in minutes, flooding ranches, roads, and summer camps without warning.

“There was no time to evacuate.”
Survivors described how water went from ankle-deep to roof-high in under ten minutes. Camp staff scrambled to move children to safety, but some dorms were swept away. Cell outages and washed-out roads slowed rescues. Over 230 people have been saved by boat or helicopter so far.

Federal Aid and Ongoing Danger
President Trump has declared a major disaster, unlocking FEMA support. But more rain is on the way, with a Flash-Flood Watch in effect through Monday. Authorities urge people to avoid rural roads and stay alert.

Concerns Over Warning Systems
With no river alarm system in place, many camps relied on weather apps that offered little warning. Officials now vow to improve emergency alerts.

How to Help:

• Donate: Hill Country United Way’s “Guadalupe Flood Relief”

• Volunteer: Register at crisiscleanup.org

• Report Missing Persons: Call 830-555-2025 (24/7)

“The river is still dangerous,” said DPS Captain Laura Meza. “Please wait for the all-clear before returning. We can’t risk more lives.”