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Photos: After Texas Hill Country flood, grief and recovery take hold

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By Texas Tribune Photo Team, The Texas Tribune

“Photos: After Texas Hill Country flood, grief and recovery take hold” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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An aerial view of damage along the Guadalupe River near Kerrville on July 5, 2025. Heavy rains in the Hill Country on July for caused catastrophic flooding and loss of life.
An aerial view of damage along the Guadalupe River near Kerrville on July 5, 2025. Heavy rains in the Hill Country on July 4 caused catastrophic flooding and loss of life. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A destroyed vehicle caught in between trees in Hunt on July 5, 2025.
A destroyed vehicle caught in between trees in Hunt, a small town where the the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River meet, about 13 miles west of Kerrville. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A street sign with directions to Ingram and Leakey is seen fallen over near Hunt, Texas on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Toppled trees and debris surround a sign offering directions to the Central Texas towns of Ingram and Leakey. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Kerrville resident Charity Hicks, 38, right, hugs a friend at a food and supply drop off station at Cross Kingdom Church Saturday July 5 2025, in Kerrville, Texas.
Kerrville resident Charity Hicks, 38, right, hugs a friend at a food and supply drop off station at Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Volunteers help set up a food station at Cross Kingdom Church on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas.
Volunteers help set up a food station at Cross Kingdom Church. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
A child cleans off a table at a food and supply drop off station at Cross Kingdom Church Saturday July 5, 2025, in Kerrville.
A child cleans off a table at a food and supply drop-off station at Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville on Saturday. Recovery work began immediately in the area, part of the Central Texas Hill Country known as “Flash Flood Alley.” Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Trees fallen due to the water current during the flood in Hunt on July 5, 2025. Search parties made up of volunteers have formed in the area.
Trees, uprooted by floodwaters, lie across a field in Hunt on July 5, 2025. Search parties have been combing the area looking for survivors or bodies. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
U.S. Army member surveys the Guadalupe River below after flash flooding on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas.
A helicopter surveys the Guadalupe River above Ingram. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
A small American flag on the trunk of a tree knocked down by the flood along Highway 39 in Ingram.
An American flag is placed on the trunk of a tree knocked down by the flood along HWY 39 in Ingram, just outside of Kerrville. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Campers from Camp Waldemar in Hunt are reunited with their families following a deadly flood at a reunification center at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville, Texas on July 5, 2025.
Campers from Camp Waldemar in Hunt are reunited with their families at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Campers from Camp Waldemar in Hunt are reunited with their families following a deadly flood at a reunification center at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville, Texas on July 5, 2025.
Campers from Camp Waldemar in Hunt are reunited with their families at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Campers from Camp Waldemar in Hunt are reunited with their families following a deadly flood at a reunification center at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville, Texas on July 5, 2025.
Campers from Camp Waldemar in Hunt are reunited with their families at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A destroyed metal canoe is seen laying at Flatrock Park next to the Guadalupe River on Saturday July 5, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
A destroyed metal canoe next to next to the Guadalupe River at Kerrville’s Flatrock Park. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Governor Greg Abbott signs an emergecy proclaimation during a press confrence at Hill Country Youth Event Center on Saturday July 5, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
As U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn look on, Gov. Greg Abbott signs an emergency proclamation during a press conference at the Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt on July 5, 2025.
Aerial view of Camp Mystic, where many children went missing after the flood. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A view of Camp Mystic from the banks across the river after the flood as game wardens search the area and guard the grounds.
A view of Camp Mystic from the banks across the river after the flood as game wardens search the area and guard the grounds. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
State Police Officers search the area around Camp Mystic on July 5, 2025.
A Texas Game Warden searches the area around Camp Mystic on Saturday. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Heart of the Hills Camp for Girls is destroyed by the flood In Hunt on July 5, 2025.
Another camp, the Heart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls in Hunt, was heavily damaged by the flood. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A pickup truck on the side of the road on HWY 39 in Hunt has a Texas flag hanging on its side, and the date of the flood is sprary painted on the side.
A pickup truck on the side of the road on Highway 39 in Hunt has a Texas flag hanging on its side with the date of the flood spray-painted on the side. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Community members sort donations to help victims of the flood at the Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville during the first Sunday service after the floods on July 6, 2025.
Community members sort donations to help victims of the flood at the Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville during the first Sunday service after the floods on July 6, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Community members grieve at the Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville during the first Sunday service after the floods on July 6, 2025.
Community members grieve at the Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville during the first Sunday service after the floods on July 6, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Community members grieve at the Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville during the first Sunday service after the floods on July 6, 2025.
Community members grieve at the Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville during the first Sunday service after the floods on July 6, 2025 Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Recreational vehicles destroyed by the flood in Ingram on Monday July 7, 2025.
Recreational vehicles destroyed by the flood in Ingram on Monday July 7, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Candle flames light up the night as community members raise their hands in a moment of silence during a vigil at Travis Park in San Antonio on Monday, July 7, 2025. Organized by Centro San Antonio, the event honored the memory of more than 80 lives lost in the devastating floods that swept across Texas.
Community members raise their candles in a moment of silence for lives lost in the flash floods during a San Antonio vigil on July 7, 2025. Credit: Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribune
People organize donated supplies for flood relief efforts at the Center Point Independant School District building Tuesday July 8, 2025 in Center Point, Texas.
People organize donated supplies at the Center Point Independent School District building on July 8, 2025. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Governor Greg Abbott listens to Courtney Calhoun, a Kerr County resident and volunteer, during a press conference in Hunt on Tuesday July 8, 2025.
Governor Greg Abbott listens to Courtney Calhoun, a Kerr County resident and volunteer, during a press conference in Hunt on July 8, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Volunteers clear debris from the flood as search and recovery efforts continue in Center Point on July 8, 2025.
Volunteers clear flood debris as search and recovery efforts continue in Center Point on July 8, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A sheriff deputy looks into a nook under the debris from the flood during search and recovery in Center Point on Tuesday July 8, 2025.
A sheriff deputy looks into a nook under flood debris during search and recovery in Center Point on July 8, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Law enforcement officials and volunteers clear up mountains of debris deposited by the flood in Center Point on Tuesday July 8, 2025.
Law enforcement officials and volunteers clear up piles of debris deposited by the flood in Center Point on July 8, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Kerrville Councilmembers and Mayor Joe Herring vote unanimous for an emergency Disaster Declaration during an emegecy city council meeting at Kerrville City Hall at Tuesday July 8, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
Kerrville council members vote unanimously for an emergency disaster declaration during a city council meeting on July 8, 2025. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Community members attend a vigil for the victims of the floods at the Antler Stadium in Kerrville on Wednesday July 9, 2025.
Community members attend a prayer service for flood victims at the Antler Stadium in Kerrville on July 9, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Community members attend a vigil for the victims of the floods at the Antler Stadium in Kerrville on Wednesday July 9, 2025.
Community members attend a vigil for the victims of the floods at the Antler Stadium in Kerrville on July 9, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
A green ribbon is seen on a shirt of an attendee during a Kerr County Blessing at Antler Stadium on Wendsday July 9, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. The green ribbon repersents the flood victims of Camp Mystic.
A green ribbon honoring the Camp Mystic flood victims is seen on a shirt during a prayer service held at the Antler Stadium on July 9, 2025 in Kerrville. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
People pray during a Kerr County Blessing at Antler Stadium on Wendsday July 9, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. The event started off with a worship and prayer followed by a social gather on the field afterwards.
People pray during a vigil for flood victims at Antler Stadium on July 9, 2025 in Kerrville. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
People pray during a Kerr County Blessing at Antler Stadium on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
People pray during a vigil for flood victims at Antler Stadium on July 9, 2025 in Kerrville. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Mud and debris fill the home of James Wright on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.
Mud and debris fill the home of James Wright on July 9, 2025 in Hunt. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
People work and clean around the Guadalupe River near the camp grounds of Camp Mystic on Wednsday July 9, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. (for editors, would it be better to describe them as volunteers? just curious)
People work to clean around the Guadalupe River near the campground of Camp Mystic on July 9, 2025 in Hunt. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
People start to prepare a memorial for the Hill Country flood victims in Downtown Kerrville on Wednsday July 9, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
People prepare a memorial for the Hill Country flood victims in downtown Kerrville on July 9, 2025. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
Community members add flowers to a memorial honoring victims of the flood in Kerrville, Texas on Wednesday July 9, 2025.
Community members add flowers to a memorial honoring victims of the flood in Kerrville on July 9, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Thursday July 10, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
Thad Heartfield talks through search routes with volunteers at the parking lot of a Walmart on July 10, 2025, in Kerrville. Heartfield has led search efforts since July 4 looking for his son Aidan Heartfield who, along with his girlfriend and two friends, were swept away by the Hill Country floods. Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune
A makeshift memorial was placed where a house was swept away by the floods in Kerrville on Thursday July 10, 2025.
A makeshift memorial sits at the site of a house that was swept away by the floods in Kerrville on July 10, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Debris piles up outside a house in Guadalupe Plaza in Kerrville was destroyed by the floods on Thursday July 10, 2025.
Debris piles up outside of a house in Guadalupe Plaza in Kerrville on July 10, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Sergio Galindo drives an excavator to move items to be discarded from a house cleanup after the flood in Hunt on Friday July 11, 2025.
Sergio Galindo moves items to be discarded with his excavator from a house that flooded in Hunt on July 11, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Members of the Coast Guard who aided in rescuing campers from Camp Mystic during the flood event at a press event with the US Coast Guard at the Kerr County Airport in Kerrville on Friday July 11, 2025.
Coast Guard members who aided in the rescue of Camp Mystic campers during the flood appear at a press conference at the Kerr County Airport on July 11, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
Cord Shiflet carries a chainsaw to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp organized by Children's Association for Maximum Potential, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Center Point. On Wednesday, July 9, Shiflet made a post on Facebook calling for volunteers to help clean up Camp CAMP in time before the next session of summer camp starts on Sunday, July 13. Since the post has been published, over 7,000 people have shared his call for help and over 1,000 volunteers have given their time and equipment to the effort.
Cord Shiflet carries a chainsaw to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp organized by Children’s Association for Maximum Potential, on July 11, 2025 in Center Point. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune
Volunteers form a bucket brigade to move flood debris from a pile formed in a portion of the Guadalupe River while assisting in recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp organized by Children's Association for Maximum Potential, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Center Point.
Volunteers form a bucket brigade to move flood debris from a pile formed near the Guadalupe River while assisting in recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp, on July 11, 2025 in Center Point. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune
A volunteer driving a bobcat moves flood debris to pile intended to be chipped while assisting in recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp organized by Children's Association for Maximum Potential, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Center Point.
A volunteer driving a bobcat moves flood debris while assisting in recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp in Center Point, on July 11, 2025. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune
Volunteers air out their feet as they enjoy a hot meal during while assisting in recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp organized by Children's Association for Maximum Potential, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Center Point.
Volunteers air out their feet and enjoy a hot meal after assisting in recovery efforts at Camp CAMP, a special needs summer camp in Center Point, on July 11, 2025. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune
Members of the community honor the victims of the flood with a vigil and a memorial on Water St. in Kerrville on Friday July 11, 2025.
Members of the community honor the victims of the flood at a vigil on Water St. in Kerrville on July 11, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Trib
A family watches a vigil in memorial of the victims of the Kerr County flood from atop a parking garage on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Kerrville.
A family watches a vigil for the Hill Country flood victims from atop a parking garage on July 11, 2025 in Kerrville. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune
People gather at a memorial for the victims of the Kerr County flood during a vigil on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Kerrville.
People gather at a memorial for the flood victims on July 11, 2025 in Kerrville. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune
Members of the community honor the victims of the flood with a vigil and a memorial on Water St. in Kerrville on Friday July 11, 2025.
Members of the community honor the flood victims at a vigil held on Water St. in Kerrville on July 11, 2025. Credit: Brenda Bazán for The Texas Tribune
People gather at pavilion overlooking the Guadalupe River following a vigil for the victims of the Kerr County flood on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Kerrville.
People gather at pavilion overlooking the Guadalupe River following a vigil for the flood victims on July 11, 2025 in Kerrville. Credit: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune

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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/06/kerrville-flood-photos-hill-country/.

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