Devastating floods swept across large swaths of Central Texas over the July 4th holiday weekend, transforming a time of celebration into one of heartbreak. Torrential rains pounded the Texas Hill Country during the early morning hours, triggering a deadly surge in the Guadalupe River that overwhelmed summer camps, residential communities, and infrastructure. The death toll has now climbed to 109, with at least 27 children and counselors perishing at Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian camp in Kerr County, where the flooding struck hardest. Families continue to grieve as several children and one counselor remain unaccounted for, and the search continues.

We at StateDefenseForce.com offer our deepest condolences to the families affected, especially those who lost children in this horrific tragedy. There are no words that we can offer to ease the pain of those who lost loved ones in this sudden and catastrophic disaster. The images emerging from Camp Mystic—mud-caked bunks, destroyed cabins, and strewn belongings—paint a somber picture of the immense loss and the overwhelming force of nature. Our thoughts are also with the first responders who are tirelessly working day and night, many of whom have been searching through hazardous flood zones for survivors or victims, often in treacherous and emotionally grueling conditions.

In the wake of this disaster, both the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) have been activated to support local and state emergency operations. Under the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) has mobilized more than 1,750 personnel and over 975 vehicles and assets from more than 20 state agencies. The National Guard and State Guard are currently performing critical missions across the Central Texas region, including high-water rescues, helicopter hoist evacuations, shelter support, damage assessments, and logistical assistance to affected counties.

StateDefenseForce.com is currently in direct communication with the Texas State Guard Public Affairs Office and has reached out to the Texas Military Department Public Affairs Office to gather further details on the specific operations being undertaken by these brave men and women. What we do know at this time is that Texas State Guard troops are on the ground supporting recovery operations in coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, local emergency managers, and the Texas National Guard. The Texas National Guard, meanwhile, has deployed Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability, high-profile vehicles to reach stranded residents, and personnel to assist with search, rescue, and shelter operations.

The circumstances that led to this unprecedented disaster are being scrutinized, with many officials describing it as a “perfect storm” of compounding events. In Hunt, Texas, over 6.5 inches of rain fell in just three hours—an event classified as a 1-in-100-year occurrence. The extreme rainfall overwhelmed the drought-stricken soil, causing flash floods that swept through neighborhoods and summer camps before many residents had time to react. At Camp Mystic, the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 feet in under two hours, submerging much of the facility and catching hundreds of campers and staff off guard.

As the state continues to respond, Governor Abbott has secured a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government and continues to coordinate with FEMA and other federal entities. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has prepositioned swiftwater rescue teams, disaster recovery specialists, veterinary medical teams, and infrastructure support personnel across the most heavily impacted regions. They are urging residents to remain weather-aware as rain continues in parts of the state, and to monitor flood safety alerts through official sources. Texans are reminded: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

StateDefenseForce.com will continue to monitor developments closely and plans to release an update tomorrow with additional details from the Texas State Guard and Texas Military Department regarding their specific missions, deployment areas, and the scope of their response. As always, we remain committed to honoring and informing the public about the incredible service of our State Defense Forces and National Guard. The bravery and selflessness of these soldiers during such perilous times is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the people of Texas.

TDEM has increased the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) to support local flood response efforts.

State resources are mobilized to assist impacted communities and requests from local officials.

Texas National Guard service members assigned to Task Force Storm work in teams along the Guadalupe River bank conducting search and rescue operations and removing debris near Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas.

TMD service members are working around the clock to remove large pieces of debris and safely clear roadways while conducting search and rescue operations.

Texas first responders are working tirelessly in communities impacted by flooding.
Search & rescue operations and recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Texans should remain weather aware as heavy rain threats continue.

Press Release From Governors Office:

Governor Abbott Provides Update On Texas’ Continued Response To Texas Flooding

July 7, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on additional state emergency response resources that have been activated in response to the ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding that have impacted Texas communities.
 
“The State of Texas is working around the clock to support emergency management personnel and local officials as they continue recovery and rescue operations across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “There is still a threat of heavy rain with the potential to cause flooding in the Central Texas, Hill Country, Big Country, and Concho Valley regions. Texans are urged to remain weather aware, heed the guidance of local officials, and regularly monitor weather forecasts. Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster.”
 
Under Governor Abbott’s direction, the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) remains at Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for assistance from local officials as they keep responding to the excessive rainfall and flooding which began last week and continues to impact the state.
 
According to the National Weather Service, rain with potential to cause flooding is anticipated for large portions of the state including Central Texas, the Hill Country, Big Country, and the Concho Valley over the next couple of days. Texans are urged to monitor local forecast information.
 
The State of Texas has deployed over 1,750 personnel and more than 975 vehicles and equipment assets. More than 20 state agencies are currently responding to flooding threats across the state.
 
At the Governor’s direction, the following state emergency response resources remain available to support local emergency response efforts:

• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state, Incident Support Task Force and Disaster Recovery Task Force including Voluntary Agency Liaisons to support recovery efforts, regional field staff who remain tied in with local officials
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2, Texas A&M Task Force 3, and Texas A&M Public Works Response Team): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and Floodwater Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues; Urban Search and Rescue Teams; K-9 support teams; personnel assessing public works infrastructure
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability supporting flood rescue operations
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas National Guard: High profile vehicles to aid stranded motorists, Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues, Personnel to assist with damage assessments and shelter operations
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Sid System strike teams assisting local fire departments and conducting damage assessments; saw crews to assist with clearing roadways
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs and assist with damage assessments
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
• Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team: Veterinary medical support for animals impacted by flooding
• Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordination of agricultural disaster response and support for affected producers
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Assistance with law enforcement coordination and support
• Texas Department of Insurance: Providing guidance on flood-related insurance claims and support to affected policyholders
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Coordinating with regulated industries and licensed professionals involved in response and recovery operations.
• Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
• Lower Colorado River Authority: Monitoring river conditions, operating floodgates, and supporting regional flood response efforts.

Texans are encouraged to visit disaster.texas.gov for information on flood resources, safety tips, and recovery assistance. As flooding threats persist, residents should continue to monitor local forecasts, heed warnings from local officials, and remember the life-saving message: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all necessary resources to local officials as they continue to respond to flooding impacting Texas, including:

• Delivering an update on the state’s ongoing flood response efforts
• Obtaining approval from President Trump on federal disaster assistance as part of a Major Disaster Declaration
• Amending the state’s disaster declaration to include additional impacted counties and providing an update on the state’s emergency response in affected areas
• Providing an update on the state’s response to severe flooding in Kerr County and surrounding communities
• Increasing the readiness level of the Texas SOC to Level II (Escalated Response) and activating additional state emergency response resources as portions of West and Central Texas prepared for heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats
• Deploying state emergency response resources ahead of the rain and flooding threat

Sources: Texas Military Department – Texas Division Of Emergency Management – Texas Governors Office – USA Today – CNN