911 calls released from Texas floods show dispatchers overwhelmed

During the July 4 weekend, Kerr County, Texas, faced severe flooding with just two 911 dispatchers on duty, managing over 400 emergency calls. Authorities released recordings of these calls on Friday, five months after the floods devastated the Texas Hill Country, resulting in 130 fatalities.

Dispatchers were forced to act quickly, gathering only essential information before moving to the next emergency. Many callers were instructed to hang up as dozens more waited on the line.

Residents reported climbing from ground floors to attics and rooftops as water levels rose, repeatedly updating dispatchers on their changing situations. Kerrville, Texas, particularly suffered, including Camp Mystic, a historic girls camp where 27 people, including the owner, lost their lives.

One caller described, We live about a mile from Camp Mystic. Weve rescued two girls from the river, but Im unsure how many more are still out there. Another said, Im stuck in this room. Water is coming through broken doors and windows, and I cant get out.

Dispatchers faced immense pressure, often unable to provide specific timelines for help. One Camp Mystic caller called back to ask when rescue would arrive, and the dispatcher could only respond, I dont know.

Kerrville Police Chief Chris McCall explained, Once the critical information was collected and no further assistance could be given over the phone, telecommunicators had to make the difficult choice to disconnect and respond to the next emergency.

Camp Mystic cabins near the Guadalupe River after the flash flood, July 7, 2025.

Aerial view of Camp Mystic, showing flood damage on July 10, 2025.

Entrance sign at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River, post-flood, July 5, 2025.

Officials arrive by boat to assist in recovery efforts at Camp Mystic on July 6, 2025.

Texas National Guard teams performing search and rescue along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic.

A Camp Mystic building reflected in floodwaters, July 7, 2025.

Author: Maya Henderson