Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Massive flash floods swept across parts of Texas on Friday, leaving at least 80 people dead as of Monday, July 7, 2025. According to Reuters, the floods hit with little warning after torrential rains far heavier than forecast caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly in the early hours of July 4.
On Friday, rainfall intensity reached 3 to 4 inches per hour, with some areas recording up to 7 inches in just three hours, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The rain caused waves as high as 20 to 26 feet surged along the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, triggering widespread destruction and washing away several roads, NBC News reported. The flooding caused extensive damage and overwhelmed local emergency services.
As of Monday, authorities confirmed 80 fatalities across six affected counties. Kerr County alone reported 68 deaths, including 40 adults and 28 children. Local officials also said 11 children remain missing from Camp Mystic, a summer camp located near the river.
Search and rescue teams have been racing against time to locate dozens of missing individuals, including children swept away in the deluge. Local forecasters have warned that more flooding may be on the way as unstable weather persists.
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The floods followed intense rainfall that began late Thursday night and continued into Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey noted that the Guadalupe River has flooded more than a dozen times since 1978, but this event ranks among the most severe on record.
USA Today reported that a combination of risk factors made the flooding especially catastrophic. Central South Texas’ Hill Country region, often referred to as “Flash Flood Alley” is notorious for extreme flooding during heavy rains. The area’s steep terrain and proximity to the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico) create ideal conditions for rapid water accumulation.
President Donald Trump described the floods as a “once-in-a-century disaster” and a “horrific scene to witness.” Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump said he plans to visit Texas later this week, potentially on Friday.
“This is a 100-year disaster, and it’s absolutely devastating to see,” Trump said, as quoted by AFP.
(Raidi/Agung)
