At least one person has died from ravaging flood waters in Central Texas, prompting a state of emergency and dozens of rescue missions. The rainwaters are destroying towns and forcing evacuations, just one year after last year's horrific Camp Mystic Floods, which resulted in more than 130 lives being taken, including 27 campers and counselors.
According to multiple reports, the Guadalupe River reached higher levels than last year's floods today, prompting the state to send out push alerts and flood sirens, urging residents to evacuate and take precautions. Officials say they are more prepared for this flood after last year's tragic events. "This year, we’re just standing by, waiting for any type of calls to come in for help,” Commissioner Chad Carpenter told CNN.
🚨 The Guadalupe River has now climbed higher than it did during last year's deadly Texas floods.
— Gage Goulding (@GageGoulding) July 16, 2026
In Comfort, the river has preliminarily reached 36.19 feet, topping the July 4, 2025, crest that came during the flooding disaster that claimed more than 130 lives. pic.twitter.com/5MPro77RMR
This clip shows floodwaters swallowing homes and neighborhoods as nearly a year's worth of rainfall continues to devastate the area.
DEVELOPING: New drone footage shows the Leona River rapidly overflowing near Uvalde, Texas, where flooding is actively inundating homes.
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) July 16, 2026
🎥: @CharlesPeekWX pic.twitter.com/JRneVSeNx7
A family of deer was swept away in the waters yesterday, captured by a local news outlet.
Our photographer, David Mendoza, captured video appearing to show four deer being carried away by floodwaters in Cibolo Creek. pic.twitter.com/AvGhmOkBZ1
— News 4 San Antonio (@News4SA) July 15, 2026
Recommended
Texas Governor Greg Abbott provided an update on the state's efforts so far, saying that more than 80 rescues have been made and that boats and aircraft are being deployed, along with more than 1,300 responders. He also reported that one person had died overnight yesterday, saying details surrounding the death are still emerging.
Gov. Abbott provides update on current state response to flooding in Texas:
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) July 16, 2026
• 1,300+ Responders Deployed
• 80+ Rescues Made
• 46+ Boats Deployed
• 19+ Aircraft Deployed
Rivers will continue rising. Turn Around Don’t Drown. Find High Ground. pic.twitter.com/eUD6L8MuWi
Abbott gave advice to those in the area, saying, "There are rapidly rising rivers that will continue to rise through the remainder of today and tomorrow. If you do not need to be out, don't go out. One leading reason for loss of life is people driving into waterways and being swept away." He urged Texans to avoid water and to try to get away as soon as possible if they found themselves near it.
Last year's floods hit Camp Mystic, a private all-girls Christian summer camp, especially hard, resulting in the death of at least 27 girls. Thanks to the Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, however, more than 165 girls were saved by his heroic efforts. Ruskan accepted the 2026 Pat Tillman Award for Service at last night's ESPY Awards.
"It took a complete army of people to get this done."
— ESPN (@espn) July 16, 2026
Scott Ruskan accepts the Pat Tillman Award for Service after saving 165 lives from catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nR9q5y3JBX
Camp Mystic is closed this summer, as the floods continue to rip through parts of West, North, and Central Texas. More updates and footage are sure to come in the following days, but Texas officials assure that they are prepared and ready to respond.
Editor's Note: Do you enjoy Townhall's conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member