CA, US & World
Texas Floods Claim Over 80 Lives, Including Dozens of Children at Camps
More than 80 people, including at least 28 children, have died following catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas. The Guadalupe River surged to nearly 30 feet, sweeping away summer camps, RV parks, and homes in Kerr County. Camp Mystic and Camp La Junta were among the hardest hit, with young campers and staff trapped as water rose overnight.
Survivors described waking to lightning, screaming, and floodwaters pouring into cabins. Campers at La Junta had to swim from their beds to higher ground, while at Camp Mystic, mattresses were used as makeshift rafts. “Oh my God, we’re floating,” one boy recalled.
The flooding came after the National Weather Service issued a warning Thursday afternoon, just hours before torrential rains began. By early Friday, the Guadalupe River had transformed from a gentle current into a deadly torrent, engulfing areas near Kerrville and Comfort, Texas.
At nearby vacation homes and Airbnbs, residents scrambled to escape. Ricky Gonzalez and a group of friends used floaties and air mattresses to prepare for the worst. In another case, a camper was rescued from a tree after being separated from her family. Her rescuer called it “a true miracle.”
First responders, including Texas Game Wardens, aviation crews, and over 500 personnel, worked through the night using helicopters, boats, drones, and rescue swimmers. Communication issues hampered efforts, but Starlink internet helped restore contact in the hardest-hit zones.
On Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott visited Camp Mystic, calling the destruction “unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster.” The death toll reached 32 by that afternoon, with more still missing. Abbott pledged to continue search efforts “until we find every girl who was in those cabins.”
Among the victims were children whose stories have since gripped the nation. Janie Hunt, 9, was found dead after being swept away at Camp Mystic. Friends Ella Cahill, Joyce Badon, Reese Manchaca, and Aidan Heartfield remain missing.
Local volunteers joined the response, delivering food and aid to first responders and survivors. “I just need to make sandwiches,” said Daric Easton, a Kerrville restaurant owner. “If responders are fed, then they can save lives.”
As the water recedes, authorities continue to search for the missing and assist families in locating their loved ones. Robert Brake, whose parents were at the RV park, said visiting the funeral home each day has been painful, but “just one more ounce of hope” keeps him going.
With more rain forecast and the flood zone still dangerous, officials urge caution. The impact of this disaster will be felt across Texas for years to come.
Credit: CNN Newsource
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 7, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
BREAKING NEWS: Country artist Dolly Parton has died at 80 following prolonged issues. Our Maria Noble Valdez has more here. Be sure to stay tuned nbcpalmsprings.com for more information. #dollyparton #breakingnews #nbcpalmsprings
📘Make your child the main character in a book, or give someone a special keepsake.📕 Thalia discovered this app and wanted to share it with all of you: Bookestry.com
Meet Kaydee, the newest visitor to the Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest! Kaydee has been making herself right at home — and on Sunday, she gave viewers some seriously adorable head tilts while checking out her reflection in the camera dome. Experts believe Kaydee is female based on her size compared with Shadow, who she’s recently been spotted hanging out with following the death of Shadow’s longtime partner, Jackie. Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy and Luna, fledged a few weeks ago and are now out on their own. For now, we’re happy to follow along with Kaydee’s sweet adventures! ❤️🦅 #BigBear #BigBearValley #BaldEagle #KaydeeTheEagle #ShadowTheEagle EagleNest CaliforniaWildlife Wildlife NBCPalmSprings
Calling MOOOM! The Iowa State Fair’s annual Mom Calling Contest is back, and these kids brought their best—and funniest—mom calls to the mic! From Fortnite updates to snack emergencies, apparently everything is a five-alarm situation when you’re a kid. 8-year-old Vivien Sullivan of Ankeny took home first place, a blue ribbon and $5! Would your kid win this contest? 👀 #IowaStateFair #MomCallingContest #Iowa #StateFair #KidsBeingKids #FunnyKids #Mom #FamilyFun #ViralVideo #NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
It’s that time of year again! It’s the start of the 2026 Friday Night Lights season, and you can see all the action here on NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com #fnl #fridaynightlights🏈 #football #nbcpalmsprings
UPDATE: The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department have confirmed that one person has died and another two were injured after a home explosion on Ocotillo Rd in Twentynine Palms. Security camera video from a nearby neighbor captured the dramatic blast around 8:28 p.m., followed by a fire that brought a massive emergency response from fire and law enforcement agencies across the Morongo Basin. The burning structure has been confirmed as a residence at 6427 Ocotillo Ave. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Arson/Bomb Detail team is conducting the investigation. Tune in to our evening newscasts for the latest information.
A little galaxy far, far away… meets the debate over surveillance cameras. 👀 A man dressed as Darth Vader spoke at a San Diego City Council meeting this week, telling members the emperor is a “fan of Flock,” the company behind license plate-reading cameras facing scrutiny across the country. The moment came as communities debate the balance between public safety, technology and privacy. #SanDiego #FlockCameras #LicensePlateReaders #Surveillance #Privacy #StarWars #DarthVader #California #LocalNews #NBCPalmSprings
From Jackie and Shadow to the next generation. Millions watched the beloved Big Bear bald eagle family. Now, following Jackie’s death, conservationists are working to protect and track the young eagles who could represent the future of the species. See the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #BaldEagles #BigBear #WildlifeConservation #NBCPalmSprings #southerncalifornia
The Palm Springs Police Department opened its doors to its surveillance center to give the public a firsthand look at how they use flock cameras across the city. After a look behind the scenes, we asked residents about their impression of the technology. Make sure to tune in to our 5 and 6 p.m newscast for all the details.