Texas Hill Country Floods Kill 132, Hundreds Missing, Recovery Underway

The Texas Hill Country experienced catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River between July 3 and 6, 2025, resulting in at least 132 deaths and over 100 people still missing, making it the second deadliest flood in Texas history. Kerr County suffered the greatest loss, with over 106 confirmed fatalities, including campers and counselors from a summer camp, while other affected counties reported additional casualties. The disaster has sparked ongoing search and rescue operations, though efforts have been hindered by continued flood risks and a looming threat of more severe weather, prompting a special legislative session to address disaster preparedness and improve early-warning systems. Meteorological analysis reveals that rare atmospheric anomalies, including unusually high temperatures and moisture levels, created ideal conditions for the extreme flooding, delivering an unprecedented volume of water to the region. Communities across Texas have shown resilience and solidarity in response, with vigils, memorials, and calls for enhanced emergency protocols gaining momentum amid the widespread grief. Economic damages from the floods are estimated between $18 and $22 billion, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster response strategies to mitigate future tragedies.