When the Guadalupe River Roared, Texas Tested with Devastation and Loss

Many of us have wonderful memories of summer camp. Running through the forest playing hide and seek, learning to boat, and fun arts and crafts activities are just a few cherished memories that come to mind. What is not included in this list is witnessing quickly rising river water levels, your friends getting swept away, fearing for your life and not knowing if help will come. 

This is what the children attending summer Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River endured when the river unexpectedly rose 25 to 26 feet within 45 minutes. This was one of the unfortunate events of the recent Texas Hill Country floods, which took place on July 4th, 2025. 

The worst nightmare of any parent is losing a child. Our hearts go out to the parents and family members of those who lost children and other loved ones in the flood.

What Caused the Recent Texas Floods?

Extreme rainfall, remnants of tropical storm Barry, and geographical factors all led to the flooding in Kerr County and other areas of Texas Hill Country. Every hour would bring 3 to 4 inches of rain, some areas receiving up to 16 inches of rain. Steep terrain and lack of vegetation exacerbated the flood, causing water to flow heavily into certain areas. Stagnant upper-level weather patterns caused thunderstorms to stay in regions much longer than they normally would.

Though the weather is certainly unpredictable and at fault for the majority of damage and loss experienced during the recent Texas floods, many devastated family members feel there was a lack of warning or intervention on the part of the government. This scrutiny comes after the emergency response system and warning systems underestimated the intensity of the rainfall, and many of the alerts did not reach residents at all.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called on state lawmakers to approve funding for new warning systems and emergency communication in flood-prone areas. Additional financial relief for the response and recovery efforts has also been requested. These efforts will hopefully mitigate damages and prevent extensive tragedy and loss in the future.

“We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future,” Abbott said in a statement Wednesday.

Teen Dies While Saving Her Family

A story of a brave teen, Malaya Hammond, who saved her family is recounted by her father Matthew Hammond.

“We were on our way to a Christian camp up in Missouri when we went across a bridge that had always been there, but it collapsed. We’re a singing family; we were on the third verse of “Rise and Shine” when we hit the water. Our sweet Malaya Grace was able to open our van’s sliding door on the right side. She was actually the first one out, and she was able to get her two younger siblings out. Because she had lifeguard training last year and then also she’s a swim instructor, she knew to turn on her back. She was singing just to keep herself calm. She kept singing in the river. I thought, “Okay, she’s good.” It was so noisy and dark. And that was the last we saw her.”

How Many People Died or Went Missing in the Texas Hill Country Floods?

There are over 135 people who passed away in the recent floods, 101 people still missing, and an estimated $20 billion in damage to schools, streets, homes, and other essential infrastructure.

Close to 1,000 people were rescued that fateful day and the days following. Many described the sheer terror of watching as waters flowed into their cars, homes, and other frequented areas attempting to swim or climb to safety while grasping their loved ones and pets in hopes of being rescued.

The Real Toll of the Texas Floods and Other Recent Floods Have Yet to Come

Multiple studies done in recent years have shown that floods have long-term health consequences for survivors. In one study done over twenty years, there were an estimated 22,000 additional deaths attributed to flooding in the following months. It showed that there was an increase in heart attacks, strokes, respiratory disease, and infectious disease.

In her newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, Katelyn Jetelins wrote, “The health impacts of flooding aren’t just immediate, they often unfold over weeks, even months.”

Floods can lead to long-term emotional stress, poor sleep, and changes in diet and activity, which may increase the risk of serious health problems like heart and respiratory diseases. 

According to a 2025 study published in Nature Communications by researchers from Tongji University titled The Health Burden of Floods and the Pathways to Mortality, “floods may cause emotional stress... and disturb the human body’s homeostasis, increasing the risk for multiple diseases.” The study also highlights that mold and dampness in flood-damaged homes can linger for months, increasing risks for lung, neurological, liver, and kidney issues. In addition, floods often disrupt healthcare services and access to clean water and basic necessities, making recovery even harder.

This makes it especially urgent to support relief efforts and stay informed about the long-term impact of the Guadalupe River flash flood.

How Can I Support Ongoing Recovery Efforts in Texas?

If you’re wondering how to donate to Texas flood victims, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) is mobilizing emergency aid to support flood survivors in Texas. We are delivering life-saving resources, including:  

• Clean drinking water 

• Emergency food and hygiene supplies 

• Temporary shelter and warm bedding 

• Baby essentials for displaced families with infants 

• Support for families of the missing and deceased

“On the worst night of our lives, after we lost everything, my family and I were able to find accommodations through LIFE. A place to shower and rest while we find a more permanent solution. Thank you for this help, it meant the world to us.”- Liam, father of two young boys, and survivor of the recent Texas floods. 

You can help other families like Liam’s that are still suffering. Consider giving to the victims of the Texas floods and give people who have lost so much, comfort and a chance to plan their next steps in recovery. 

Time is of the essence as every day families go without a place to stay or essentials.

Your generosity and compassion can be their shelter in the aftermath of this storm. 

Give a Family in Texas Relief

Citations 

Sun, Xuejie, et al. “The Health Burden of Floods and the Pathways to Mortality.” Nature Communications, vol. 16, no. 1, 2025, article no. 12795. Nature Publishing Group, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58236-0.

Jetelina, Katelyn. “A Plague Death, Floods’ Health Impact, Hearing at …” Your Local Epidemiologist, last week, Substack, https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/a-plague-death‑floods‑health‑impact. Accessed 25 July 2025.

NIEHS Science Highlights. “Hidden effects of floods linked to higher death rates.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 3 Jan. 2025, https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2025/2/science-highlights/flooding-health-effects. Accessed 25 July 2025.

Guardian Staff. “Colossal cleanup effort allows summer camp to reopen after Texas floods.” The Guardian, 19 July 2025. Reports 135 deaths statewide, description of 26 ft river rise, $18–22 billion in damages, community recovery. Accessed 25 July 2025. The Guardian