Death toll from Texas floods reaches 70, including 21 children
3 Min Read
Rescue operations continue in Texas amid rising questions over federal weather service staffing and disaster preparedness under the Trump administration.
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A Sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area on July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP)
The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 70 on Sunday, including 21 children, as the search continued for 11 girls and a counselor missing from the nearly century-old Camp Mystic summer camp near the Guadalupe River.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 59 of the deaths occurred in Kerr County, the epicenter of the flooding. Torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to burst its banks on Friday, during the US Independence Day holiday.
This video of the Guadalupe was shot in Kerrville, Tx from the Center Bridge. Watch how fast these flood waters were traveling & washing everything in front of it out.
— Clyp Keeper (@DGrayTexas45) July 6, 2025
It goes from low & barley flowing to over the top of the bridge in around 35 minutes.
I sped the video up to… pic.twitter.com/NcQe4UAQBa
Camp Mystic, which housed 700 girls at the time of the flood, became a disaster zone. Camp counselor Katharine Somerville described how water reached cabins atop hills and forced the military evacuation of campers.
Camp director Richard "Dick" Eastland reportedly died while attempting to save girls.
Shocking scenes from a Texas supermarket completely flooded due to the ongoing storms. Water filled the entire store, leaving shelves and products submerged. Prayers for everyone affected. Stay safe, Texas. 🙏 #TexasFlood #Flooding" pic.twitter.com/AI2Nypvg0D
— A.S (@DHAS013) July 5, 2025
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was activated on Sunday following a major disaster declaration by President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that US Coast Guard helicopters and planes were aiding search and rescue operations.
More than 850 people have been rescued, some clinging to trees as up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain flooded central Texas, roughly 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. However, the exact number of missing persons remains unclear.
Criticism of Trump administration's forecasting cuts
The disaster has ignited criticism over federal preparedness and forecasting. Experts pointed to job cuts within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the National Weather Service.
Former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said staffing reductions under the Trump administration have weakened the agency’s forecasting capabilities.
Trump signs major disaster declaration
On his part, Trump on Sunday signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas.
The declaration is “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,” Trump posted on social media.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged that a "moderate" flood watch issued before the storm underestimated the rainfall.
Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro warned on CNN that under-resourced weather services could lead to deadly consequences. "When you have flash flooding, there's a risk... it could lead to tragedy," he said.
On Saturday, the region was hit with up to 12 inches of rain in a single night, nearly one-third of Kerr County’s typical annual rainfall. Videos shared on social media captured scenes of devastation, with floodwaters sweeping away homes, trees, and infrastructure.
