Texas Floods 2025: Over 50 Dead, Hero Saves 165, NWS Faces Critique
A Catastrophic Disaster Strikes Central Texas
A devastating flash flood hit Central Texas on July 4, 2025, claiming at least 78 lives and leaving dozens missing. Among the unaccounted are 10 young girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River. In just 45 minutes, the river surged over 26 feet, inundating Kerr County and surrounding areas.
Amid the devastation, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan emerged as a national hero, credited with saving 165 lives in his first-ever rescue mission. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) faces mounting criticism over delayed warnings and staffing shortages that may have worsened the tragedy’s impact.
The Wrath of Nature: Central Texas Flooding
Unprecedented Flash Flooding
On the night of July 3 into the early hours of July 4, Central Texas was pummeled by torrential rains—up to 15 inches in some areas, equating to several months’ worth of precipitation. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in under an hour, transforming serene landscapes into a raging, deadly flood zone.
Kerr County was hardest hit, reporting 68 fatalities, including 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Additional deaths were confirmed in Travis (6), Burnet (4), Kendall (1), and Tom Green (1) counties.
Entire communities were submerged. Homes, vehicles, trees, and bridges were destroyed. FEMA’s flood maps had already marked Camp Mystic and nearby areas as high-risk zones with a 1% annual flood probability—a grim prediction that became reality.
Camp Mystic: Heart of the Tragedy
The nearly century-old Camp Mystic, home to around 750 girls aged 7–17, became the tragedy’s focal point. Floodwaters engulfed cabins near the river, sweeping through the camp’s historic grounds.
Among the missing or deceased were:
- Sarah Marsh (8)
- Renee Smajstrla (8)
- Janie Hunt (9)
- Lila Bonner (9)
- Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence (8-year-old twins)
Dick Eastland, Camp Mystic’s longtime director, also died trying to rescue girls from the Bubble Inn cabin. His grandson called him a hero who gave his life for “the girls he loved.”
Survivors shared terrifying stories. Elinor Lester (13) described wading across a rope bridge amid roaring waters. Stella Thompson (13) recalled darkness, chaos, and power loss as cabins washed away. “People were screaming, crying, and praying,” she said.
The Hero: Scott Ruskan’s Unbelievable First Mission
165 Lives Saved
Scott Ruskan, a Petty Officer and U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer from New Jersey, executed one of the most heroic rescue missions in recent memory. In his first-ever deployment, he saved 165 people, pulling victims from treetops, collapsed buildings, and rooftops.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hailed his bravery, calling him a “one-man triage unit.” Ruskan focused on a crowd of 200 stranded campers, executing rescues with precision under extreme pressure. His efforts were part of a larger emergency response that rescued over 850 individuals.
The Emergency Response
A massive interagency operation swung into action:
- 14 helicopters
- 12 drones
- Hundreds of boats and vehicles
- 500+ responders from the Texas National Guard, Parks & Wildlife, and U.S. Coast Guard
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency across multiple counties, later expanded to six more. President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, unlocking federal support. He expressed condolences via Truth Social:
“Melania and I are praying for all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy.”
Local volunteers, like Alma Garcia, offered meals and clothing. A dedicated hotline (830-258-1111) was set up for families of missing campers.
Criticism Mounts: National Weather Service Under Scrutiny
Delayed Warnings and Budget Cuts
Despite warnings issued on July 3, critics argue that the most urgent alerts came too late. The NWS’s initial flood watch turned into a flash flood warning only after the river began its deadly surge.
Texas officials blame staffing shortages and outdated tools, worsened by a 10% NOAA budget cut under the Trump administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) initiative.
CBS Austin’s Meteorologist Avery Tomasco defended the agency, noting a flood watch was issued 12 hours prior and a flash flood warning 3 hours before the peak. Still, experts say unfilled forecasting positions and poor communication may have contributed to the death toll.
AccuWeather also issued alerts, claiming its warnings offered enough time to evacuate. Yet in an area known for rapid-onset flooding, the early hours of July 4 proved too late for many.
Search, Recovery, and the Road Ahead
Ongoing Search
As of July 7, the search continues for the 10 missing campers and 1 counselor, using helicopters, boats, K9 units, and drones. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice stressed that the mission remains a life-saving effort, not just recovery.
Community Mourning
Communities across Dallas, Houston, and Austin have held vigils. Many of the deceased attended local schools like St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas. The loss of Dick Eastland, who ran Camp Mystic with his wife since 1974, has rocked generations of camp alumni—including former First Lady Laura Bush.
More Rain Ahead: Extended Flood Risk
The NWS has extended flood watches through July 7, warning of another 2–4 inches of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches. Governor Abbott urged extreme caution, especially near Johnson Creek and the Guadalupe River.
Conclusion: A Test of Texas’ Resilience
The Central Texas floods of July 2025 have left a tragic imprint on the state, with at least 78 lives lost and many still missing. Amid sorrow and devastation, the courage of Scott Ruskan and other first responders has brought glimmers of hope.
Yet the disaster has sparked a necessary conversation about preparedness, climate vulnerability, and government accountability. As Texas braces for more rain, the mission is far from over—families are grieving, communities are rebuilding, and the questions surrounding early warnings remain.
For updates, contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-258-1111 or follow ongoing coverage at clickusanews.com.
