๐ฐ Historic Floods Devastate Central Texas โ As Jelly Roll Steps Up With a $10 Million Call for Hope
Kerr County, Texas โ The deadly floods that swept across Central Texas over the past two weeks have now claimed the lives of at least 131 people, with over 100 still missing, making this one of the deadliest rain-induced disasters in U.S. history since 1976. The relentless downpours โ remnants of Tropical Storm Barry โ hit hardest on July 4th, overwhelming riverbanks, sweeping away homes, and leaving entire communities underwater.
Among the most heart-wrenching stories was the tragedy at Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp in Hunt, Texas, where 27 people, including young girls and counselors, were killed after floodwaters surged through the area overnight.
In total, the Guadalupe River and surrounding areas received over 20 inches (50 cm) of rain within a matter of hours. Flash flood warnings came too late for many, and hundreds had to be rescued by emergency teams and civilian volunteers. Thousands more are displaced, with shelters overflowing and infrastructure in ruins.
๐ง A Second Wave and More Rain to Come
Just as the search-and-rescue efforts were underway, a second storm system dumped an additional 4โ7 inches of rain over the already-saturated region between July 12โ13, forcing officials to temporarily suspend operations due to rising waters and dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service has extended flash flood watches for Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, and surrounding counties through midweek, warning of further flooding along the Guadalupe River Basin. Kerrville and other central counties remain on high alert.
โ Warning System Failures Under Scrutiny
A major controversy has erupted over the delayed emergency alerts in Kerr County. Local officials did not utilize the federal IPAWS system, which could have pushed out warnings to all cellphones and broadcast systems. Instead, they relied on CodeRED, a system that only reaches pre-registered users โ leaving thousands in the dark during the critical early hours.
Documents reveal that Camp Mystic administrators delayed evacuation for more than an hour after receiving a โlife-threateningโ flood alert from the National Weather Service. That lost time may have cost lives.
๐ Recovery Could Take Years
According to Kerr County officials, the search for missing victims could stretch into early 2026, while full recovery and rebuilding may take several years. More than 2,000 volunteers, including firefighters and military units, are participating in ongoing efforts.
โWeโre not just talking about roads and homes,โ said County Judge Dan Hogue. โWeโre talking about rebuilding lives โ one by one.โ
๐ค Jelly Rollโs Voice of Hope: $0.20 Per Click, $10 Million Goal
In the wake of tragedy, country-rap star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) has emerged as an unexpected beacon of hope. Known for his authenticity and rough past, Jelly Roll has launched a deeply emotional campaign to raise $10 million for Texas flood victims.
But itโs not just a donation drive โ itโs accessible and action-driven. Every click on the article link he posted in the comments contributes $0.20 automatically to the fund, sponsored by multiple partners and private donors.
โIโve slept in my car. Iโve lost everything. And Iโve seen people lose more than I ever did,โ he said in a video thatโs now gone viral. โYou may think $0.20 means nothing, but it might be the meal someone needs. The bed. The blanket. The reason someone believes again.โ
Within 24 hours, his campaign had raised nearly $1.2 million, with celebrities like Dwayne Johnson and Kelly Clarkson resharing the post.
This isnโt Jelly Rollโs first act of compassion. In 2023, his Backroad Baptism Tour raised over $590,000 for at-risk youth. Now, he’s leveraging that same energy โ but for a wider mission: healing Texas.
โจ A Nation Responds
As Texas mourns, it also mobilizes. Volunteers are arriving from out of state. Donations are pouring in. And through tragedy, new systems are being questioned โ and rebuilt.
Perhaps most inspiring is that healing is no longer just about emergency crews and government action โ itโs about a community, a country, and a former inmate with a microphone, reminding us: sometimes the loudest voice is the one asking us to quietly, simplyโฆ care.
