Tragedy in Hunt, Texas: Flash Floods Revive Painful Memories Along the Guadalupe River
Hunt, Texas — a quiet community nestled where the Guadalupe River forks — has been plunged into devastation after relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic flash flooding, reviving memories of one of the region’s darkest chapters.
Beginning Thursday afternoon, more than seven inches of rain fell in a matter of hours, marking the heaviest rainfall the area has seen since the early 1990s. The deluge caused the Guadalupe River to rise with terrifying speed, cresting at over 29 feet — the second-highest level ever recorded. Residents say the water came so fast that there was little time to react.
Although the National Weather Service had issued flood watches across central Texas, the sheer intensity and suddenness of the storm caught many off guard. Overnight, roads vanished beneath rushing water, homes were inundated, and entire areas became inaccessible. Emergency sirens echoed through the hills as first responders raced against time.
By morning, a massive rescue operation was underway. Fourteen helicopters, along with ground crews and hundreds of emergency personnel, were deployed to search for stranded residents and those reported missing. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman F. Martin delivered a grim assessment during a press briefing, warning that the situation could become “a mass casualty event.”
One of the most heartbreaking focal points of the disaster is Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls located along the riverbank. Known for its historic cypress-built cabins and generations of cherished memories, the camp was directly in the flood’s path. As floodwaters surged through the property, campers and staff were evacuated where possible, but officials have confirmed that some children remain unaccounted for. Camp leaders are working closely with authorities and reaching out to families as search efforts continue.
For longtime residents of Hunt and surrounding Kerr County, the scene is painfully familiar. Many recall the devastating flood of July 17, 1987, when the Guadalupe River turned deadly, claiming lives and forever changing the community. Seeing the river rage again has reopened old wounds and renewed fears.
As waters slowly begin to recede, the focus shifts from rescue to recovery — a long and uncertain road. Families are grappling with loss, displacement, and unanswered questions, while emergency workers continue their tireless efforts amid dangerous conditions.
In the face of devastation, Texas has responded with unity. Volunteers, neighboring communities, and state agencies have rallied to support victims and first responders alike. Donations, shelter assistance, and prayer vigils are already underway.
This flood is more than a natural disaster — it is a stark reminder of nature’s power and the vulnerability of even the most peaceful places. As Hunt mourns and rebuilds, the hearts of Texans remain with every family affected by this tragic chapter along the Guadalupe River.
