Texas Flood Survivors Call for Help Amid Crisis

Sat Dec 06 2025 00:22:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Newly released 911 recordings reveal the desperate pleas for rescue during last summer’s catastrophic floods in Kerr County, Texas, which claimed 136 lives.

In the aftermath of deadly floods that swept through Texas last summer, survivors are voicing their desperation as released 911 call recordings reveal their urgent cries for help. Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls, was heavily impacted, leading to the tragic loss of campers and counselors. Emergency responders faced overwhelming challenges as they scrambled to assist those trapped amidst rising waters. As Kerr County officials face scrutiny over their response, many residents remain frustrated by a lack of flood warning systems.

KERRVILLE, Texas — Survivors of the July 2023 floods in Kerr County, Texas, have shared their harrowing experiences as 911 recordings released on Friday show desperate pleas for rescue. As water levels rose to alarming heights, many residents became trapped, especially those in the historic Camp Mystic where 25 campers and two counselors lost their lives.

During a frantic six-hour emergency response period, dispatchers received over 400 calls as the floods overwhelmed the region. One caller, who was staying at the camp, described the scene: “We are upstairs in a room and the water is rising. If the water will be higher than the room, what should we do?” The anguish in her voice conveyed the gravity of the situation as she sent repeated requests for immediate assistance.

The flooding ultimately resulted in at least 136 fatalities across Texas, affecting dozens from various states including Alabama, California, and Florida. Victims ranged from young children to elderly individuals, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the disaster.

Residents expressed anger and confusion at being caught off guard by such a catastrophic event, stating that they received no adequate warning before the floods struck. Kerr County leaders have since faced criticism regarding their preparedness and response efforts, revealing a concerning systemic failure to protect the community from disaster.

Additionally, an analysis by the Associated Press compiled data from first responder communications, survivor testimonials, and weather service warnings to narrate a comprehensive timeline of the chaotic rescue operations, shedding light on the challenges faced during this catastrophic incident.