shocking timelapse video circulating online reveals just how quickly flash floods overwhelmed parts of Texas during the July 4 weekend, as officials continue an urgent search for dozens of missing children. The disaster, centered around Kerr County and the Guadalupe River, has now claimed at least 51 lives, including 15 children, according to NBC News.
The footage, shared on social media, captures a chilling transformation: in just seven minutes, a seemingly calm roadway becomes engulfed by a violent surge of floodwater. Viewers were stunned by the speed at which the flood arrived — a stark reminder of how little warning many had to escape.
“That is scary! No wonder people couldn’t evacuate in time,” one user wrote beneath the video. Another added: “That’s becoming way too familiar of a scene. What’s going on?”
Camp Mystic Tragedy
Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls located just outside of Kerrville. Over 750 girls were attending when the flash flood struck. Authorities have confirmed that at least 20 children remain unaccounted for, though some may be safe but unable to communicate due to power, water, and internet outages.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick attempted to reassure the public, stating that some missing children may simply be “out of communication” rather than lost. However, heartbreaking news emerged when the mother of Janie Hunt, a 9-year-old camper, confirmed to CNN that her daughter had died in the floods.
Statewide Emergency Response
Rescue efforts continue around the clock, with hundreds of emergency responders deployed throughout the region. The Kerrville Police Department posted a statement on July 5, reaffirming their commitment to the search:
“We will continue until we find all our citizens. Our thoughts remain with those who are unaccounted for and their loved ones.”
The storm dropped an entire month’s worth of rainfall in a matter of hours, pushing the Guadalupe River to dangerous levels, reaching 26 feet at its peak. The flood swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and vacation cabins where families were celebrating Independence Day.
National and Federal Response
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an extended state of emergency across several counties and requested federal assistance to manage the disaster. The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to issue flash flood warnings as more rain is expected.
The full scale of the devastation is still being assessed, and rescue teams are battling both time and rising water levels to reach remaining survivors.
