Last July 4, 2025, Kerr County, Central Texas, was the scene of one of the worst floods ever recorded in the region.
The heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to overflow, reaching a 26-foot rise in just 45 minutes. The flash flood devastated entire communities, leaving at least 109 people dead, including 30 children, and dozens missing. Among the confirmed deaths are the twin granddaughters of a beloved journalist.
Camp Mystic: a refuge turned into a tragedy
Among the most affected sites is Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp with nearly a century of history, located on the banks of the Guadalupe River.
At the time of the disaster, approximately 750 people were in the camp.
The flood destroyed several cabins, including those for seven-year-old girls, and left at least 27 people dead, including campers and counselors.
The camp director, 70-year-old Richard “Dick” Eastland, lost his life while trying to rescue the trapped girls.
Eastland, who had run the camp since 1974 with his wife Tweety, is remembered as a mentor and father figure to generations of campers.
Tragedy of journalist David Lawrence Jr.
Among the victims are Hanna and Rebecca, the eight-year-old twin granddaughters of journalist David Lawrence Jr, a well-known advocate for children’s education in Miami and former editor of the Miami Herald.
The girls, along with their older sister, attended camp during the vacations.
Lawrence expressed his grief in a statement, noting the joy his granddaughters brought to the family.
“It has been an unimaginable moment for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents, John and Lacy, their sister Harper and our entire family, so much joy,” Lawrence told the Miami Herald.
Search and rescue operations continue, with more than 400 rescuers deployed in the area. More than 525 rescue missions have been carried out, saving some 850 people in the first 36 hours after the flooding.
Future actions
President Donald Trump declared Kerr County a disaster area, making it easier for federal aid to arrive.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent water rescue teams to support the efforts in Texas.
In addition, public figures such as Matthew McConaughey and Shakira have expressed their solidarity and support for the victims.
The magnitude of this tragedy has raised questions about disaster preparedness and response in the region.
Despite warnings issued by the National Weather Service, the speed and severity of the flooding surprised many. An investigation has been launched to assess possible failures in the warning and evacuation systems.
Ha sido un tiempo inimaginable para nosotros. Hannah y Rebecca les dieron a sus padres John y Lucy ya nuestra familia, toda la dicha y la alegría. Ellas nunca serán olvidadas
Victim support and how to help
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For those interested in providing support to the victims and their families, organizations such as the Salvation Army in Kerrville are taking donations and volunteers.
In addition, the Texas Hill Country Community Foundation has established relief funds for those affected.
This tragedy has left a profound mark on the Texas community and the entire country.
Solidarity and continued support will be essential for the recovery of affected families and communities.
Find out more at QuéOnnda.com.
