Businesses large and small also sprang into action to help the community. Grocery chain H-E-B, which started in Kerrville, one of the cities affected by the floods, has been donating food and supplies through the Red Cross. San Antonio-based fast-food chain Whataburger said it would provide meals to first responders.

More than 100 people have been confirmed dead since July 4, when the Guadalupe River in central Texas swelled overnight and triggered flash floods that swept through an area known locally as “Flash Flood Alley.

Heavy rain poured over parts of central Texas, dumping more than a month's worth of rain for places like San Angelo.

Devyn Smith clung to a tree as muddy, debris-laden water rushed beneath her. She was ripped more than 15 miles from where she and five of her family members had set camp the night before.

The record of frequent, often deadly floods in Central Texas goes back more than 200 years to July 1819, when floodwaters spilled into the major plazas of San Antonio. That city on the edge of the Hill Country was hit by major floods again in 1913, 1921, 1998 and 2025, to cite a few examples.

A government board, whose members included Camp Mystic’s co-owner, contracted with a company to better spot danger on the Guadalupe River.

More than 100 deaths have been reported statewide, with most near the Guadalupe River. Several girls from the Dallas area are among the deaths confirmed from Camp Mystic.

The situation evolves daily. Several nonprofit groups that have arrived said they plan to remain on the ground for the next few weeks, providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

Historic flash floods swept across central Texas and left at least 81 dead. Authorities are searching for those still missing, including 10 children and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp at the edge of the Guadalupe River. USA TODAY readers have lots of questions about the flooding, as well as the recovery efforts.