Editor’s Note: This story reflects Monday’s press deadline. For the latest updates, visit BanderaBulletin. com.
As deadly floodwaters devastated the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, Bandera County faced evacuations, submerged roads and canceled celebrations — while neighboring Kerr County emerged as the epicenter of one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Texas history.
Heavy storms early July 4 caused the Medina River to rise rapidly, prompting the full evacuation of Pioneer RV River Resort. Water briefly reached parts of Main Street in Bandera, forcing multiple businesses to close. The resort reopened the following morning once waters receded.
City officials canceled the July 5 downtown Independence Day parade, and other holiday events — including the July 4 Lakehills parade and the annual pet parade — were also called off due to dangerous conditions. While some businesses remained shuttered through the weekend, others across the county stayed open to support residents and visitors.
Multiple low-lying roads in Bandera County were submerged, including Highway 16 North at Four Sisters and Benton Creek, Brewington Creek, and FM 2107 at Rocky Creek. Patterson Street in Medina was closed due to runoff and debris.
In nearby Kerr County, flash floods along the Guadalupe River triggered mass evacuations and dozens of water rescues. As of Sunday, the confirmed death toll had climbed significantly, with many victims still unidentified and search efforts ongoing.
Among the missing are campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a summer camp that was
BULLETIN PHOTO/ Daniel Tucker overwhelmed by floodwaters early Friday. Gov. Greg Abbott, who toured the site Sunday, called the scene “horrendously ravaged.”
“The river running beside it was ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster,” Abbott said. “The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking. We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.”
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he had signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County to expedite federal aid.
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The Trump Administration continues to work closely with state and local leaders.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that U.S. Coast Guard crews had rescued more than 220 people. “Pray for the victims, the families, and our first responders. God bless Texas,” she said.
In a statewide response, Abbott declared Sunday, July 6, a Day of Prayer.
“Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience,” Abbott said. “Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength.”
Pope Leo also offered condolences during Saturday Mass at the Vatican, saying, “I express my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones,” especially those with children still missing from the summer camp.
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