The region is known by its telling nickname: "Flash Flood Alley." In July 1987, the sudden swelling of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, and the rush of muddy water caused the deaths of 10 people. The night of July 3 saw another fatal flood with even more devastating consequences. Fifty-two people have died, including 43 in Kerr County alone, according to a toll released on Saturday, July 5, and several dozen are missing as torrential rains have continued. Fifteen children have been identified as among the victims.

In a largely flat state like Texas, Kerr County is known as "Hill Country." It is a tourist region of green hills, ranging from 300 to 600 meters high, and canyons carved into the limestone plateau by the Guadalupe River. For nearly a century, Texas churches have established summer camps along the river, where children from well-off families in Dallas, Austin or San Antonio come to camp despite the flood risk, with boys and girls in separate facilities. For the July 4 national holiday, campgrounds and hotels were fully booked, much like every other year.

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