Catastrophic toll | 300 dead or missing in worst flooding to hit Texas in 100 years

Arab Weather - Hesham Gamal Al-Jamous - In early July 2025, the US state of Texas was hit by a wave of floods described as the most severe in 100 years. This was a result of heavy rainfall that accompanied the remnants of a tropical system that hit the region. This weather system led to sudden and severe flooding of rivers and valleys, especially in the "Texas Hill Country" region. Kerr County alone witnessed a heavy toll of victims and missing persons, and initial estimates indicate widespread destruction of infrastructure and property, in one of the worst natural disasters to hit the state in modern history.

Catastrophic toll: 300 dead or missing in worst flooding wave to hit Texas in 100 years

Texas experienced catastrophic flooding as a result of sudden, heavy, and unexpected rainfall, exceeding 500 mm in less than 24 hours. This intense rainfall led to severe weather disturbances, causing the Guadalupe River to rise to unprecedented levels, breaching natural and man-made barriers and sweeping away campsites and homes in its path.

Tragic toll and heavy losses

According to official data issued until July 13, 2025:

• At least 129 deaths have been recorded, including 103 in Kerr County alone.
• More than 170 people are still missing, with access to some of the affected areas difficult.
• Among the victims were 36 children, most of them from the Camp Mystic summer camp, which was swept away by the floodwaters overnight.
• Initial estimates indicate that economic damage could exceed $18 billion, including damage to roads, buildings, bridges, and electricity and water networks.

Tragic moments in the children's camp

One of the most tragic stories associated with these floods occurred at Camp Mystic, where torrential rains caught dozens of children unawares as they slept. According to survivors' accounts, the rushing waters swept through the camp within minutes, causing many of those inside to lose contact. The bodies of some of the children and their caretakers were later found kilometers away from the campsite.

Gaps in warning and alert systems

Although the National Weather Service issued early warnings, the local alert system in Kerr County was not adequately implemented. Local authorities were heavily criticized for relying on a less effective alert system (CodeRED) and not using the National Intensity Warning System (IPAWS), which could have saved many lives.

Extensive government response amid criticism

The federal government declared a major emergency, and federal rescue teams from FEMA were dispatched, along with support from neighboring states. US President Donald Trump also visited the disaster area, but the visit sparked widespread political controversy due to his controversial statements and angry reactions from residents.

In contrast, the Texas governor called for a comprehensive review of rapid response systems, stressing the need to install audible flood warning systems in vulnerable mountainous areas before the summer of 2026.