911 calls released from Texas flood disaster: "Tragic outcomes for some callers"

Authorities have made public hundreds of 911 recordings from the catastrophic flash floods that struck Texas Hill Country on July 4, resulting in over 130 fatalities, including numerous young campers.

Kerrville Police Chief Chris McCall described the calls as deeply distressing. "Some of the callers did not survive," he said in a video shared on Facebook Thursday. "We ask that you keep them, their families, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers."

McCall explained that the Kerrville Police Department, operating with only two staff members at the time, began receiving emergency calls at 2:52 a.m. on July 4. A total of 435 calls were handled, with 106 coming in between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. alone.

"Our dispatchers showed incredible perseverance in managing the overwhelming call volume, providing both assistance and comfort to every caller," McCall said. "Once essential information was gathered and no further help could be offered over the phone, telecommunicators faced the painful task of disconnecting and moving to the next call."

The department collaborated with the Texas Attorney General's Office and decided to release all 911 calls in full to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by eight media outlets.

The majority of the fatalities occurred along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, including at least 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic, many of whom were the youngest participants. Families of some victims have since filed lawsuits against the camp, alleging gross negligence and disregard for safety. In response, Camp Mystic announced plans to install advanced river monitoring systems and additional safety measures.

Hill Country's geography contributes to the severity of flash flooding, as its dry, compacted soil is unable to absorb heavy rainfall effectively.

"As our community continues to recover, please take care of your emotional well-being," McCall urged. "I am proud of the resilience our community has demonstrated and the support we have shown for those we have lost."

Author: Chloe Ramirez