When the Waters Rise: Texas Camp Mystic Flooding and the Climate Crisis

An image showing the destructive aftermath of the Texas Camp Mystic flooding. Trees and debris are scattered around what was once a lively and active campsite, now marked by devastation.

Ronaldo Schemidt, AFP Via Getty Images

On July 4, 2025, a devastating flash flood tore through Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas. Heavy rainfall caused the river to rise more than 20 feet in just two hours, an overwhelming and deadly surge that caught hundreds off guard. At the time, approximately 750 campers were present. As of July 6, at least 51 people have been confirmed dead, including 15 children, with dozens more still missing.

This heartbreaking event has shocked the nation, drawing widespread attention to the power and unpredictability of extreme weather. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 850 individuals rescued or evacuated. Helicopters and emergency crews have been working around the clock to search for survivors, while families await word on their loved ones.

But amid the heartbreak and heroism, this tragedy also prompts an urgent question: How did we get here?

A Changing Climate, A Rising Threat

Flash floods like the one that struck Camp Mystic are becoming more frequent and more intense. Why? As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. Climate scientists have long warned that extreme rainfall events, once considered rare, are now becoming the new normal.

In addition to heavier precipitation, the way our communities are built also matters. Many camps and recreational areas are situated near rivers for their natural beauty—but this proximity makes them especially vulnerable when conditions rapidly deteriorate.

A Wake-Up Call

It’s important to understand that climate change doesn’t “cause” a flood, but it amplifies the severity of the storm that leads to one. A warmer atmosphere supercharges rainfall, and weakened or outdated infrastructure can’t keep up. Tragically, those who are asleep, unprepared, or too close to rising water are the ones who suffer most. The more we harm our earth—pollution, greenhouse emissions, and environmental ignorance—the greater the environment will strike back when these disasters occur. The heartbreaking loss of young lives at Camp Mystic reminds us of the importance of early warning systems, climate-resilient planning, and better disaster preparedness, especially in vulnerable areas. Summer camps, schools, and public facilities near rivers or coastlines need to be re-evaluated in light of today’s extreme weather realities.

In Memory—and in Action

As Texas grieves, we must honor the victims not only with remembrance, but with resolve. Many view Climate change as merely a scientific concept, but it is likewise a human crisis, touching lives in the most personal and painful ways. Events like this one are no longer isolated. They demand urgent action, from climate adaptation and policy reform to community resilience.

My thoughts are with the families of those lost and the brave first responders continuing their search. Let this be a moment not just of mourning, but of meaningful change.