Kerr County Flooding and Response Efforts, Updated Death Toll

Texas saw up to 15 inches of rain fall in just a few hours, overwhelming local infrastructure and triggering a swift, coordinated response

KERR COUNTY, Texas — On July 4, 2025, the Texas Hill Country faced severe flash flooding due to heavy rainfall, claiming 104 lives and leaving 24 individuals missing as of July 7-8, 2025.

Texas Floods: At Least 79 Deaths. Causes and Impact Analysis

Centered primarily in Kerr County, the event saw up to 15 inches of rain fall in just a few hours, overwhelming local infrastructure and triggering a swift, coordinated response from federal, state, and military entities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed emergency teams to aid search, rescue, and recovery efforts, while the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has emphasized safety and coordination with multiple agencies to address the crisis.

Key Points

• Death Toll: 104 fatalities reported across affected counties

• Missing Persons: 24 individuals unaccounted for, including campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic in Kerr County.

• CBP Deployment: Emergency teams dispatched on July 4, 2025, to support Texas Hill Country response efforts.

• Federal Response: Federal disaster declaration approved for Kerr County on July 6, 2025, activating FEMA assistance.

• Military Involvement: The Texas National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard engaged in ongoing evacuation and rescue operations.

CBP Response

On July 4, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed emergency response crews to the Texas Hill Country to address flash flooding caused by heavy rains. The deployment includes:

• BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue): Specialized in search and rescue operations.

• Office of Field Operations: Providing logistical and operational support.

• Air and Marine Operations: Contributing helicopter air crews for aerial rescue and reconnaissance.

Led by Nason Hinman, Patrol Agent in Charge of Del Rio Border Patrol Sector’s Special Operations Detachment, CBP’s efforts leverage its experience from past natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, to bolster multi-agency support.

Current Situation

As of July 7, 2025, the impact of the flooding remains severe, with casualty and missing persons figures underscoring the event’s toll.

• Death Toll: 104 total fatalities

  • Kerr County: 84 (56 adults, 28 children)

  • Travis County: 7

  • Burnet County: 4

  • Kendall County: 6

  • Williamson County: 2

  • Tom Green County: 1

• Missing Persons: 24 total

  • Camp Mystic (Kerr County): 11 (10 campers, 1 counselor)

  • Travis County: 10

  • Burnet County: 2

  • Williamson County: 1

Search and rescue operations persist, with hundreds of first responders, including Texas National Guard helicopter teams, working to locate the missing amid challenging terrain.

Government and Military Response

A multi-tiered response has been mobilized to tackle the flooding:

• Federal Government: President Donald Trump signed a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County on July 6, 2025, enabling FEMA assistance, with damage assessments ongoing for potential broader coverage.

• State Agencies: The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas National Guard, leads state efforts. TDEM has deployed over 1,500 personnel and 925 vehicles/equipment assets, coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to prioritize safety and recovery, as noted in their July 7, 2025, statement.

• Military Involvement:

  • Texas National Guard: Under Major General Thomas Suelzer, conducted 237 evacuations, including 167 by helicopter, as of July 5, 2025.

  • U.S. Coast Guard: Rescued 165 individuals at Camp Mystic, per July 6, 2025 records.

• Leadership Updates: Governor Greg Abbott has issued updates through July 7, 2025, focusing on sustained rescue and resource deployment.

Despite the robust response, concerns linger about pre-event warning adequacy, prompting calls for investigation from Rep. Joaquin Castro.

Texas Military Department: Working Around The Clock To Remove Debris, Clear Roadways, Conduct Search and Rescue Operations

Texas Military Department: "TMD service members are working around the clock to remove large pieces of debris and safely clear roadways while conducting search and rescue operations."