In what has become one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit central Texas in recent years, flash floods on Friday claimed the lives of at least 78 people, with another 41 still missing. The devastating floods were triggered by a sudden rise in the Guadalupe River, sweeping away entire communities, including a riverside Christian camp for girls.
Flash Floods Devastate Kerr County
According to Reuters, The hardest-hit area has been Kerr County, where 68 fatalities have been confirmed, including 28 children. The tragedy occurred at Camp Mystic, a popular Christian summer camp for girls located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Ten girls and a counselor from the camp remain unaccounted for, with search-and-rescue teams working tirelessly to locate survivors and recover victims.
Local authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to rise as floodwaters recede and more bodies are recovered. The floods have left rescue teams facing immense challenges, including navigating through debris-filled terrain and dealing with venomous snakes.
Search-and-Rescue Effort Intensifies
Three days after the devastating floodwaters surged, what began as a rescue operation has now turned into a large-scale recovery mission. The operation is one of the largest of its kind in Texas history, as authorities and volunteers work around the clock to locate the missing and identify the dead.
As of Sunday, 18 adults and 10 children have been recovered from Kerr County, but their identities remain unknown. Search efforts remain focused on the wreckage of Camp Mystic, which was struck by a massive 26-foot (8-meter) rise in the river within just 45 minutes.
The Camp Mystic Disaster
The flood occurred before dawn on Friday, when most campers were still asleep. The Guadalupe River, swollen by intense rainfall, surged at an unprecedented rate, flooding Camp Mystic and its surroundings with little warning. Several campers, along with the camp’s long-time director Richard “Dick” Eastland, were among those confirmed dead.
Greg Froelick, a former Navy Seal and volunteer with the rescue group 300 Justice, is helping to coordinate the search. He described the devastation, saying that victims have been found as far as eight miles downriver from where Camp Mystic once stood.
Froelick said that as the rescue teams comb through the wreckage, they’ve found “clothing and items from the camp dressers scattered everywhere, up and down the river,” indicating the sheer scale of the devastation.
Continuing Uncertainty
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this disaster is the uncertainty surrounding the number of people who were camping in the area for the Fourth of July weekend. Authorities have raised concerns that more people may have been swept away in the floodwaters. Additionally, many residents remain unaccounted for, particularly those living along the two-lane highway that runs between Kerrville and Camp Mystic. That road has been devastated, with homes surrounded by fallen trees, toppled fences, and scattered furniture.
Texas Governor Vows to Find the Missing
Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the search for the missing. On Sunday, he spoke about the toll the floods have taken on the community and expressed his determination to find all those who remain unaccounted for.
“It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” Abbott said, reflecting on his recent visit to the devastated area. He pledged that authorities would “stop at nothing” to find the missing and bring closure to the families affected by this catastrophe.
President Trump Declares Major Disaster
On Sunday, President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in the recovery efforts. The president also expressed his sympathy for the victims, stating that the situation was “absolutely horrible.”
Trump said he would likely visit the state on Friday to witness the recovery efforts firsthand.
Local Communities Rally Together
While state and federal authorities continue their search and rescue operations, local residents have stepped up to help their neighbors. From donating supplies to offering shelter, the community has shown remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy.
According to BBC, Alma Garcia, a local resident from San Antonio, drove to the disaster area to deliver home-cooked meals to volunteers and residents. She was spotted giving her wet clothes to a woman in need as she helped out in the recovery effort. “She was all wet, I told her she’s going to need it,” Garcia said.
Perla, another local resident, began collecting clothes and shoes after her shift at Walmart and delivered them to a nearby shelter the next morning. “I’ve never seen something like this before,” she said.
Global Support and Condolences
As the tragedy continues to unfold, messages of support have poured in from around the world. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for the victims of the flooding in Texas.
“I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp,” said the Pope. “We pray for them.”
The Road Ahead
While recovery efforts continue, the devastation caused by the flash floods will have a lasting impact on the residents of central Texas. As authorities work to locate the missing and provide support to the affected families, the full scope of the disaster is still coming into focus.
Despite the challenges ahead, the determination of the local community and rescue teams offers hope that Texas will eventually rebuild, although the emotional toll on the families of the victims will be felt for years to come.
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