At least 2 dead in Texas floods as hundreds rescued in same region as Camp Mystic disaster

Texas Faces Renewed Flooding Crisis as Death Toll Rises and Rescue Operations Continue

Devastating Waters Sweep Through Southern Region

At least 2 dead in Texas – Life-threatening flash flooding has struck southern Texas following an extended period of heavy rainfall, resulting in at least two fatalities and hundreds of successful rescues throughout the area. This disaster has affected the same region that experienced catastrophic flooding last July, when the Camp Mystic tragedy claimed numerous lives. According to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who provided an update on Thursday afternoon, emergency crews have completed more than 230 rescues so far. The governor also noted that response teams have deployed over 85 boats, 20 aircraft, and 200 high-profile vehicles to assist with the ongoing relief efforts.

“Human life remains the focus right now,” Abbott emphasized during his press briefing. Residents across the affected areas have already received approximately one year’s worth of rainfall, and while water levels have dropped in certain locations, officials continue to urge caution as heavy showers persist in regions already saturated by torrential downpours.

Weather Forecasts and Emergency Alerts

A flood watch remains active for hard-hit portions of south-central Texas through noon on Friday. This alert encompasses the US 90 corridor west of San Antonio, the Hill Country region, the Rio Grande Valley, and the southern Edwards Plateau. Meteorologists predict another wave of storms could deliver an additional 2 to 4 inches of precipitation, with isolated locations potentially receiving up to 8 inches. Current forecast models indicate that the most intense rainfall may occur northwest of the areas currently experiencing the worst conditions.

It will not take much additional rainfall to compound flooding concerns.

According to the governor, Uvalde and Johnson City represent the cities most vulnerable to flooding over the next 24 hours. The National Weather Service issued an update late Thursday indicating that storm activity was beginning to intensify across various parts of Texas, including regions that have already accumulated more than two feet of rain in recent days.

Tragedy and Loss in the Region

Among those who perished was a man swept away while traveling in a recreational vehicle, according to Abbott’s Thursday statement. John Mark Steward, age 65, died after being carried away in his mobile home in Kerrville. His wife shared the news with The San Antonio Express-News, though CNN has been unable to independently verify Steward’s death with local authorities.

Additionally, police reported that a 74-year-old man, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, lost his life while driving near Uvalde. A Department of Public Safety crew observed his vehicle floating in floodwaters approximately four miles north of the city around 10:30 a.m. local time. The Uvalde Police Department later confirmed the man’s death on Thursday.

Historical Context and River Levels

Early Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency—their highest level of alert—for Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. These communities were among those hardest hit a year ago during devastating floods that killed at least 130 people, including 25 girls and two counselors from Camp Mystic.

Authorities cautioned that a large and deadly flood wave was traveling down the Guadalupe River before it crested at 37.94 feet in Center Point on Thursday morning. This height was slightly lower than the flood levels recorded last year. Meanwhile, a river gauge in Comfort recorded a remarkable 25-foot rise in water levels within a single hour, with conditions remaining at flood stage throughout Thursday as officials monitored swollen creeks.

We grabbed just what we needed and what we could get right away. But the priority was to get out. And we’re glad we did, because the people that got back immediately after that, maybe 20 minutes later, the water had risen maybe another 10 feet.

Community Response and Evacuations

More than 80 individuals were evacuated from riverside campgrounds before floodwaters reached dangerous levels, the governor reported. In Comfort, a group of 42 relatives attending their family’s 40th annual reunion fled a riverside hotel on Thursday morning, according to CNN affiliate KENS. Amy Thogmartin, who had traveled from Brooklyn, shared her experience with the local station.

Video footage from the Hill Country captured water inundating streets and swallowing bridges as first responders rescued stranded residents from the current. Families surveyed the extensive wreckage while one household told CNN they sheltered for hours in their Kerrville home’s attic as rising water accumulated beneath them until a rescue boat finally arrived.

In Boerne, dramatic footage showed a group of deer being carried away by the powerful floodwaters. All children’s summer camps in Kerr County confirmed their campers were safe, according to the county sheriff’s office. First responders cleared approximately 50 homes in flood-prone areas, said Kerrville police chief Jerel Haley.

Officials noted that the warning systems established following last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County during the early hours before water levels began rising, enabling residents to respond quickly to the emerging threats.

The same circumstances that occurred last year occurred again this morning but this time, our towers intervened and woke people and got them out.