5 days ago
Texas Flooding Before and After Photos Reveal Scale of Devastation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Time-lapse footage and images shared online show rivers rising rapidly in Texas amid heavy flooding that has resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people.
Why It Matters
The devastating floods that struck central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend have become one of the deadliest flood events in the U.S. in the past century, Newsweek previously reported. By Sunday evening, authorities had confirmed at least 82 fatalities.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), flooding is the second most fatal weather-related threat in the U.S., exceeded only by extreme heat. On average, flooding results in more than 90 deaths each year, the agency says.
An U.S. flag planted near caution tape on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on July 6.
An U.S. flag planted near caution tape on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on July To Know
Time-lapse footage showed the Llano River's water level rising rapidly amid the flash flooding, completely engulfing a road in less than an hour.
Timelapse flooding of the Llano River on July 4th — Rob Dew (@DewsNewz) July 5, 2025
Before and after images posted on Reddit apparently showed the drastic overnight rise of the Guadalupe River. The river surged by more than 20 feet within the space of two hours, Newsweek previously reported, prompting mass evacuations in the state's Hill Country.
Among the hardest hit areas was Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.
The camp confirmed the loss of 27 campers and counselors. "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," the camp said in a statement.
Among those who died were camp director Richard Eastland and camp counselor Chloe Childress.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, unlocking Federal Emergency Management Agency aid for rescue, recovery and infrastructure support. It's the second such declaration for Texas this year, following March's severe storms and flooding.
Before and after images on Reddit said to show how the Guadalupe River rose overnight on the morning of July 4.
Before and after images on Reddit said to show how the Guadalupe River rose overnight on the morning of July 4.
Reddit
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday: "I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. … Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"
The Texas Military Department wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "Update: The Texas Military Department's rescue operations have resulted in the successful recovery of 520 individuals. These efforts included 361 air evacuations conducted with UH-60 Black Hawks and 159 ground rescues employing various vehicles and assets."
What Happens Next
Central Texas remained under flood watch from the NWS as of early Monday. The service's forecast office at Austin warned that several more inches of rain would be possible, which could quickly lead to flooding. The agency also said it was "difficult to pinpoint" exactly where the heaviest rainfall could occur, adding that up to 10 inches could fall in isolated amounts.
