Everything we know about Texas floods as 20 children still missing
Here’s everything we know about the flash floods that have hit Texas, after authorities confirmed 24 people have died and more than 20 children are missing.
As America enjoyed the July 4 celebrations on Friday, hundreds just outside the Texan town of Kerrville were hit by deadly floods.
The flash flooding has swept through Kerr County in Texas, as rescue teams continue to look for survivors.
At around 7.40pm local time today (July 5), the Kerrvile Police Department said in an update that rescue teams will ‘continue until we find all our citizens’.
“Hundreds of first responders are here with resources from throughout the state to help us,” they added on Facebook.
“Our thoughts remain with those who are unaccounted for and their loved ones. They are our focus and will remain so.”
At least 24 people have lost their lives, while rescue teams are continuing to search for up to 25 children.
Meanwhile, CBS is reporting 237 people have been rescued or evacuated so far in the search rescue efforts.
A state of emergency has been declared (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)A state of emergency has been declared (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
A state of emergency has been declared (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
The flooding has swept away mobile homes, vehicles and holiday cabins, with the latter filled with Americans celebrating Independence Day.
One month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet.
A state of emergency has been declared in several counties as a result of the devastating floods.
Who has been impacted?
Rescue teams are working around the clock to find up to 25 children who were among the 750 girls attending the Camp Mystic, a summer camp based just outside of Kerrville.
The camp, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
It has been left without WiFi, power and water following the floods.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick explained that the missing children are not necessarily ‘lost’, adding: “They could be out of communication.”
Jane Ragsdale, the camp director of Heart O’Hills in Kerr County, is one of those to have tragically lost her life from the floods.
“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” a statement from the camp states.
The mother of the missing Camp Mystic member Janie Hunt, 9, has also confirmed to CNN that her daughter has died because of the floods.
Why did the Guadalupe River rise so quickly?
While Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said a disaster of such magnitude was unforeseen, Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville, has explained why the Guadalupe River rose so quickly.
He told press: “When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe… there’s a north and a south fork.
Rescue teams are continuing to search for those missing (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)Rescue teams are continuing to search for those missing (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
Rescue teams are continuing to search for those missing (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
“Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville.”
Rice continued: “This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks.
“When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe.”
What has been the response?
The Texas Division of Emergency Management deployed 14 helicopters and hundreds of emergency workers in response to the floods, while they have also used drones in a bid to aid their efforts.
Col. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said on Friday: “We brought in over 100 troopers this morning. And they’ve worked all day, rescues, high water vehicles, boats, rescue divers, seven rescue helicopters with hoist capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added: “We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for.”
Texas governor Greg Abbott (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)Texas governor Greg Abbott (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Texas governor Greg Abbott (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Donald Trump’s response
After learning about the floods, President Trump spoke to the press, describing the floods as a ‘terrible thing’.
“It looks like some young people have died,” Trump said, adding that his administration would work with Abbott to provide aid and support to the state during this extremely difficult time.
First Lady Melania Trump has also been spoken out, penning on Twitter: “My heart goes out to the parents in Texas during this difficult time. I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience.”
Further rain is expected in Texas over the coming hours, including around Waco, the Guardian reports.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Eric Vryn
Topics: US News, Texas
At least 24 dead and more than 20 children missing after US summer camp is swept away by extreme floodsAt least 24 dead and more than 20 children missing after US summer camp is swept away by extreme floods
Home> News> US News
Updated 09:44 5 Jul 2025 GMT+1
Published 09:30 5 Jul 2025 GMT+1
At least 24 dead and more than 20 children missing after US summer camp is swept away by extreme floods
A local community has been shattered by flash floods in Texas on July 4
Callum Jones
Callum Jones
At least 24 people have died and more than 20 children are said to be missing after flash floods in Texas in recent hours.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour as people embarked on the July 4 celebrations, with the flooding having swept away mobile homes, vehicles and holiday cabins.
At least 24 people have lost their lives, while rescue teams are continuing to search for up to 25 children who were among the 750 girls attending the Camp Mystic, a summer camp, outside the town of Kerrville.
The camp, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
It has been left without WiFi, power and water following the floods.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick explained that the missing children are not necessarily ‘lost’, adding: “They could be out of communication.”
Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville, explained why the Guadalupe River has risen so quickly.
It’s all happened on July 4 weekend (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)It’s all happened on July 4 weekend (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
It’s all happened on July 4 weekend (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
He told press: “When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe… there’s a north and a south fork.
“Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville.”
Rice continued: “This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks.
“When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe.”
Col. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said on Friday (July 4): “We brought in over 100 troopers this morning. And they’ve worked all day, rescues, high water vehicles, boats, rescue divers, seven rescue helicopters with hoist capabilities.”
The floods have been devastating (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)The floods have been devastating (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
The floods have been devastating (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added: “We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for.”
President Donald Trump has been speaking to the press, describing the floods as a ‘terrible thing’.
“It looks like some young people have died,” Trump said, adding that his administration would work with Abbott to provide aid and support to the state during this extremely difficult time.
In a statement provided earlier on Friday, Abbott said: “Texas is providing all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods.
“The State of Texas today has mobilized additional resources in addition to the resources sent in preparation for the storms.
“I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Eric Vryn
Topics: Texas, US News
Everything we know following US strikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran as Trump issues warningEverything we know following US strikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran as Trump issues warning
Home> News> World News
Updated 10:37 22 Jun 2025 GMT+1
Published 10:26 22 Jun 2025 GMT+1
Everything we know following US strikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran as Trump issues warning
Donald Trump launched a military operation on Iran that targeted three nuclear sites
Callum Jones
Callum Jones
Here’s everything we know after the US bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran overnight, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump discussed earlier this week how he would make his mind up within two weeks on whether to bomb Iran, and he finally pulled the plug on Saturday evening (June 21).
Where has the US bombed in Iran?
The US began hit missiles on Fordo, a plant hidden well in a remote mountainside that is said to be crucial to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, according to the BBC.
Nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan were also hit by the US, according to Trump.
What has been the impact of the US strikes on Iran?
It remains unclear at this stage the exact damage caused by the US attack, including whether there are any injuries or even deaths.
The US targeted three nuclear sites (Murat Usubali/Anadolu via Getty Images)The US targeted three nuclear sites (Murat Usubali/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The US targeted three nuclear sites (Murat Usubali/Anadolu via Getty Images)
However, Trump did describe the operation as a ‘spectacular military success’ and stated Iran’s nuclear facilities had been ‘obliterated’.
There has been no increase in radiation levels after the attack, according to both Saudi Arabia and the UN’s nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
What has Trump said about the US strikes on Iran?
With Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio standing alongside him, Trump announced to the world overnight that missiles had been fired at Iran.
The president said: “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success.”
Donald Trump described the operation as a ‘spectacular military success’ (Carlos Barria – Pool/Getty Images)Donald Trump described the operation as a ‘spectacular military success’ (Carlos Barria – Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump described the operation as a ‘spectacular military success’ (Carlos Barria – Pool/Getty Images)
And the president warned future attacks would be ‘far greater’, before adding: “Remember, there are many targets left.”
Taking to Truth Social, the 47th POTUS continued: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.
“Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
How has Iran responded to the US strikes?
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister took to Twitter shortly after the attack and said: “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran will defend its ‘sovereignty, interest, and people’ (MURTAJA LATEEF/AFP via Getty Images)Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran will defend its ‘sovereignty, interest, and people’ (MURTAJA LATEEF/AFP via Getty Images)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran will defend its ‘sovereignty, interest, and people’ (MURTAJA LATEEF/AFP via Getty Images)
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
The government minister went on to say Iran ‘reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people’.
How have other world leaders reacted to the US strikes?
The UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to Twitter following the strikes, stating the US took action to ‘alleviate’ the threat posted by Iran’s nuclear programme.
The PM wrote: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 earlier this week (Stefan Rousseau-Pool/Getty Images)Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 earlier this week (Stefan Rousseau-Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 earlier this week (Stefan Rousseau-Pool/Getty Images)
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
How did the Israel-Iran conflict start?
Iran has been accused of attempting to develop a nuclear warhead, mining large quantities of uranium before enriching it.
Israel subsequently conducted strikes in Tehran, the Iranian capital, since June 13, an effort that had not involved US involvement up until now.
They targeted nuclear and military sites in the country amid worries surrounding Iran’s nuclear efforts.
In retaliation, Iran has fired back its own missiles, with some even getting through the country’s Iron Dome defenses in Tel Aviv.
Featured Image Credit: CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Iran, US News, World News, Israel, Twitter, Truth Social
Everything we know about 19 bodies pulled from one lake as fears of potential US serial killer growEverything we know about 19 bodies pulled from one lake as fears of potential US serial killer grow
Home> News> US News
Updated 11:06 7 Jun 2025 GMT+1
Published 21:02 6 Jun 2025 GMT+1
Everything we know about 19 bodies pulled from one lake as fears of potential US serial killer grow
Residents believe there could be a serial killer at large dubbed the ‘Rainey Street Ripper’, but police are adamant that isn’t the case
Joe Yates
Joe Yates
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Americans are bracing themselves as fears grow that a potential serial killer could be on the loose after as many as 19 bodies have been pulled from one lake in just three years.
If the deaths of all 19 were related, it could mean the US has a serial killer at large.
However, authorities do not believe it to be the case, despite there having been more than a dozen corpses discovered in just one water system and one man having ‘survived’ an alleged attack.
Where the bodies were located
The bodies were discovered in Texas, or to be precise, all 19 were pulled out of Lady Bird Lake, in Austin.
Since 2022, it has been a frequent occurrence for residents in the area to hear that a body has been found washed up on the side of the river-like reservoir that flows through the heart of the city.
All 38 bodies were recovered from Lady Bird Lake, in Austin, Texas (Getty stock)All 38 bodies were recovered from Lady Bird Lake, in Austin, Texas (Getty stock)
All 38 bodies were recovered from Lady Bird Lake, in Austin, Texas (Getty stock)
To note some geography of Lady Bird Lake, it is part of the Colorado River and just so happens to be located beside the vibrant nightlife of Downtown Austin, and more specifically the popular drinking strip – Rainey Street, which now lends its name to the alleged serial killer locals have dubbed the ‘Rainey Street Ripper’.
What the police have said
However, police have insisted a killer is not lurking around Austin, confirming only one case to be a homicide, though at least six of the bodies recovered from the lake have unknown causes of death.
In the case of the latest body, whose identity hasn’t been revealed, the authorities say the teen was kayaking with his family on the lake when he entered the water and failed to come to the surface, as per Fox 7 Austin.
Corporal Jose Mendez of the Austin Police Department told the outlet: “Another paddleboarder was here out on Lady Bird Lake and notified us that it appeared that an individual was deceased and floating on Lady Bird Lake.”
The force has consistently pushed back on claims that a serial killer is at large, having previously taken to social media to address rumors.
Back in 2023, Austin Police Department posted on Facebook: “The Austin Police Department is aware of speculations regarding the recent drownings in Lady Bird Lake. Although these cases are still under investigation and evidence is being analyzed, at this time, there is no evidence in any of these cases to support allegations of foul play.
“While each incident has occurred at the lake, the circumstances, exact locations, and demographics surrounding these cases vary. Our investigators approach every case with an open mind and objectively examine all available evidence.
“We work closely with the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, which conducts a parallel investigation into all deaths. The Medical Examiner performs autopsies in each of these types of death investigations. The results of these autopsies have not revealed any trauma to the bodies nor indication of foul play.”
It continued: “One common theme of the drownings in Austin this year is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points. Many of the access points can be challenging to see at night.
A body was reported to police on June 3 (Fox News)A body was reported to police on June 3 (Fox News)
A body was reported to police on June 3 (Fox News)
“The parks in which most of these drownings have occurred are park areas that close at 10pm and occur after the park closes. We advise the public to follow the rules on park closures.”
Demographic of bodies pulled from lake
According to Fox News 7, 60 percent of the bodies that have been recovered have been aged between 39 and 49, while there has also been two teenagers recovered.
Who is Jeff Jones?
Jeff Jones believes that he survived an attack of the so-called ‘Rainey Street Ripper’, having been found beneath a bridge and later a toxicology test confirmed that there were traces of benzodiazepine in his system, which the date-rape drug Rohypnol falls under.
The incident took place in June 2023, while the 39-year-old was enjoying a bachelor party with around a dozen of his friends, who he’d flown over with from Boston, Massachusetts.
Jeff Jones was found at the bottom of a bridge in Austin with a traces of a date-rape drug in his system (Facebook)Jeff Jones was found at the bottom of a bridge in Austin with a traces of a date-rape drug in his system (Facebook)
Jeff Jones was found at the bottom of a bridge in Austin with a traces of a date-rape drug in his system (Facebook)
“Whoever they may be just missed the target and I hit the ground, and luckily because of that I didn’t drown,” Jones told the Mail Online last year.
“I just got lucky… Not many people can say they potentially survived a serial killer, so that’s a story I can tell, I guess.”
His body was found at the bottom of West Sixth Street Bridge, which is carried over Shoal Creek that in turn flows into the Colorado River.
Jones fell into a coma before complications meant he had to be induced again while he underwent surgeries, including metal rods being fitted to his back, but has since made a full recovery.
UNILAD has contacted Austin Police Department for further comment.
Featured Image Credit: Getty stock
Topics: Texas, Crime, US News
Everything we know after Iran strikes US air base following Trump’s bombing of nuclear sitesEverything we know after Iran strikes US air base following Trump’s bombing of nuclear sites
Home> News> World News
Updated 19:49 23 Jun 2025 GMT+1
Published 19:28 23 Jun 2025 GMT+1
Everything we know after Iran strikes US air base following Trump’s bombing of nuclear sites
Iran fired missiles at US air bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday, June 23
Callum Jones
Callum Jones
Here’s everything we know after Iran launched missiles on US air bases in the Middle East following Donald Trump’s bombing of nuclear sites over the weekend.
President Trump launched an attack on Iran’s key nuclear facilities on Saturday night (June 21), with Trump declaring the mission a ‘success’ after it ‘completely obliterated’ the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites.
Iran reiterated it would be coming up with a ‘decisive response’ to the US attack, which happened earlier today (June 23).
Where did Iran target?
Iran targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base – the largest US base in the Middle East that houses some 10,000 US troops.
Meanwhile, the Ain al-Asad air base housing US troops in Western Iraq was also targeted, an Iraqi security official told The Associated Press.
Iran has retaliated to US attacks by launching missile strikes of their own on US air bases in the Middle East (Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)Iran has retaliated to US attacks by launching missile strikes of their own on US air bases in the Middle East (Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Iran has retaliated to US attacks by launching missile strikes of their own on US air bases in the Middle East (Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
What has been the impact of the Iranian strikes on Qatar?
Qatari air defences were able to intercept the missiles, and officials have confirmed there were no casualties at Al Udeid.
Earlier today, it was announced Qatari airspace had been closed amid the threat of an attack by Iran. And just a few hours ago, the US embassy in Qatar told US citizens they should shelter in place ‘until further notice’.
What has the Trump administration said about the attack?
Donald Trump is suspected to currently be in the White House situation room amid the ongoing crisis.
The Trump administration said in a statement: “The White House and the department of defence are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats.”
It has been reported that President Trump remains in the White House situation room amid the conflict (Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images)It has been reported that President Trump remains in the White House situation room amid the conflict (Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images)
It has been reported that President Trump remains in the White House situation room amid the conflict (Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images)
What has Iran said about the strikes?
Iranian Tasnim news agency stated that operation ‘Annunciation of Victory’ had been launched against US bases. Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces confirmed the Al-Udeid base in Qatar had been hit with a ‘devastating and powerful’ missile attack.
The announcement of missiles being launched was made on state television as martial music played. A caption on the screen called it ‘a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression’.
Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on Twitter: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
The New York Times is reporting three Iranian officials said they had coordinated the attack with officials in Qatar in a bid to ‘minimise casualties’.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)
How has Qatar responded to the attack?
Qatar was quick to condemn the attack on the US military base, dubbing the attack as ‘flagrant violation’ of sovereignty.
A Qatari statement reads: “We are assured that Qatari air defences thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missile.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence added: “Thanks to God, the vigilance of the armed forces, and the precautionary measures taken, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries.”