Catastrophic Flash Floods Devastate Central Texas, Over 129 Dead and 160 Missing
Central Texas, USA – July 14, 2025 — Central Texas is reeling from one of the worst natural disasters in its recent history. The unexpected deluge overwhelmed emergency services, destroyed homes, swept away vehicles, and shut down major highways, plunging communities into chaos.
Catastrophic flash floods struck the region over the weekend, claiming the lives of at least 129 people, including several children, and leaving more than 160 people missing.
A popular summer retreat for families and children. This sudden and intense rainfall caused rivers to rise rapidly, turning roads into raging rivers and trapping hundreds in low-lying areas. What started as a moderate rainfall quickly escalated into a disaster. According to the National Weather Service, more than 6.5 inches of rain fell within a few hours—mainly around Camp Mystic
“We Couldn’t Escape in Time”: Eyewitnesses Describe the Horror
Families staying at Camp Mystic shared chilling accounts of how fast the situation turned deadly.
Another camper, Jason Lee, described using makeshift ropes to pull children out of waist-deep water. “It was pitch dark. We couldn’t tell if we were standing on mud or the roof of a submerged car.”
Local first responders said they received over 1,200 emergency calls within a span of 4 hours. With many roads impassable, rescue operations relied on boats and helicopters, but bad weather hampered efforts.
“We were finishing dinner when someone screamed that the water was rising fast,” said Angela Rodriguez, a mother of two who was at the camp with her family. “Within minutes, the cabins were underwater. We barely managed to grab the kids and run to higher ground.”
Governor Martha Wells declared a state of emergency and has called for immediate federal aid. “This is not just a natural disaster—it’s a humanitarian crisis,” she said during a press briefing. “We need every available resource to support rescue efforts and help our communities rebuild.”
Local hospitals are overwhelmed. Makeshift shelters have been set up in schools and churches to accommodate those displaced.
Billions in Damages as Infrastructure Crumbles
According to preliminary estimates, the economic loss from the floods ranges between $18 billion to $22 billion. Major infrastructure—roads, bridges, and water supply systems—suffered severe damage. Dozens of homes have been completely washed away, and hundreds more are structurally unsafe.
State and Federal Response: What’s Being Done Now
In addition to the emergency declaration by Governor Wells, President Robert Hastings has mobilized FEMA and the National Guard for a coordinated response.
“We stand with the people of Texas,” the President stated. “Our priority is saving lives and helping communities get back on their feet.”
FEMA is currently deploying mobile medical units, water purification systems, and temporary housing facilities across the most-affected areas, including Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and parts of San Antonio.
Meanwhile, hundreds of volunteers and NGOs have joined the efforts. Relief groups like Red Cross USA and Team Rubicon are distributing food, clothes, and emergency supplies.
Is Climate Change to Blame? Experts Weigh In
Climate scientists have long warned that extreme weather events will become more common and more intense due to global warming. The Central Texas floods are already being pointed to as a textbook case.
“The frequency and intensity of rainfall events like this are increasing due to a warmer atmosphere holding more moisture,” said Dr. Ellen Park, a climate specialist at the University of Texas.
“The writing was on the wall,” said James Carter, a former FEMA advisor. “We’ve been warning about this for years. If systems had been better maintained and staffed, many of these lives could’ve been saved.”
However, some are also questioning whether budget cuts to emergency preparedness contributed to the scale of the disaster. In the past two years, Central Texas counties saw significant reductions in funding for flood control projects, weather monitoring systems, and emergency response training.
The Central Texas flash floods are a grim reminder of nature’s fury and the importance of disaster preparedness. As rescue operations continue and the long road to recovery begins, residents are calling for accountability, support, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
What’s Next: Weather Forecast and Rescue Status
As of Monday afternoon, weather forecasts predict more rain in parts of Central Texas, though not as severe. However, the ground remains saturated, and experts warn of additional flash flood risks if rains return.
“We haven’t found my brother since Friday night,” said Stephanie Hodge, who drove from Dallas to search for her missing sibling. “No one’s giving up.”
Search-and-rescue teams continue to comb through flood-hit areas. Divers are being deployed to locate submerged vehicles in creeks and under bridges. Families are still desperately searching for loved ones.
