Texas Flash Flood Tragedy: Guide for Parents & Leaders

The Texas flash flood disaster in the early hours in the first week of July, 2025, happened in central Texas, especially Kerr County. The area experienced sudden flash floods that claimed at least 82 lives, including 28 children, and left dozens missing. Most of them were from Camp Mystic, a long-established girls’ summer camp on the Guadalupe River. What can parents and camp leaders learn from the tragic event? Read on to find out. 

What Happened

Multiple outlets reported that a storm front helped along by Tropical Storm Barry’s remnants brought torrential rain, up to 18 inches in just hours. The heavy rain caused rivers to rise as much as 29 feet within a single hour

Unfortunately, the surge overwhelmed Camp Mystic before most people could react. Videos showed some campers evacuating and some very traumatized people were finally saved by searchers who took part in rescue operations.

Questions are now being raised about warnings, staffing shortages at the National Weather Service, and emergency preparedness in high-risk flood zones. Nobody wants to hear about another Texas flash flood tragedy. 

Essential Safety Tips for Parents & Camp Leaders

There are ways to try and prevent the unforeseeable events like the Texas flash flood tragedy. For example, you could learn about the geography of the area before you visit.

First check out locations along rivers known for flash flooding, like Texas Hill Country, which is dubbed “Flash Flood Alley” for a reason. So, camp leaders and families camping could try and map flood-prone zones and establish boundaries for camp activities.

Secondly, monitoring weather warnings is crucial. The National Weather Service issued watches and warnings starting July 3, with escalations to emergency alerts around 4 AM on July 4, per PBS. You could do rehearsals for camp evacuations when you arrive, making a game out of something that could become a serious problem.

Additionally, look for high ground before selecting a camp site. Campers who reached higher ground survived. So it wouldn’t hurt to check out the place and if necessary, mark a route to safety.

While staying right next to water might be fun, it’s not a great idea to camp right next to a river. Obviously, those areas are at the greatest risk of flooding. And finally, always have the contact numbers for emergency services on your phone.

Learning From Terrible Events

Nothing can erase the heartbreak of the tragedy, but it is possible to learn from it. Thoughtful planning, adequate warnings, and practiced drills can mean the difference between life and death when flash floods arrive. They strike fast and often without much warning.

Have you ever seen a flash flood, or been caught up in one and survived? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your summer safety tips and updates.