Tragic Floods Ravage Texas, Death Toll Rises to 24
Severe flash flooding in south-central Texas has resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, with fears growing for up to 25 girls missing after their summer camp was engulfed by rapidly rising waters. The devastating floods struck rural areas along the Guadalupe River late Friday following intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Camp Mystic at the Center of Disaster
The Guadalupe River surged dramatically, rising approximately eight metres in under an hour, inundating Camp Mystic—a private Christian summer camp for girls. Officials report that some 700 children were staying at the camp during the sudden deluge, which left the site completely destroyed.
One camper, 13-year-old Elinor Lester, described a terrifying escape as flash floods swept through the area in the early hours, forcing children to cross floodwaters while holding onto ropes tied by rescuers.
Massive Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency operations are in full swing. Authorities have deployed 14 helicopters, a dozen drones, and hundreds of rescue personnel to scour the flood zone. Teams are searching for missing campers and rescuing survivors who have been stranded in trees or swept away by swift currents.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the deployment of “limitless” resources to support the search and rescue effort, which also involves federal and Coast Guard personnel.
Up to 25 Campers Still Missing
While 237 individuals have been rescued so far, including 167 by helicopter, officials continue to search for up to 25 girls still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic. Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of people missing across the wider region.
Families have turned to social media to seek information about their loved ones amid warnings of additional heavy rainfall expected within the next 24 hours.
Community in Crisis as Families Await News
Parents anxiously gathered at reunification centers, such as an elementary school in nearby Ingram, hoping to be reunited with their children. Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as some were informed about the grim reality of missing loved ones while others exchanged hopeful reports of dramatic rescues.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the confirmed deaths and emphasized ongoing search efforts that continue through challenging conditions.
Officials Respond
Kerr County officials explained that the flooding struck with little warning before dawn, leaving minimal time for evacuation. Local leaders pledged all available support to assist affected families and manage the disaster response.
Governor Abbott and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have both expressed their commitment to continuing rescue operations and providing aid.
A Devastated Landscape Along Flash Flood Alley
The region, known as “flash flood alley,” is prone to sudden flooding because the rocky soil resists water absorption, causing rapid runoff after storms. Camp Mystic, which has operated for nearly a century providing a wholesome Christian environment for young girls, now faces recovery amidst heartbreaking losses.
Nearby summer camps, such as Camp La Junta for boys, reported all campers safe but remained on lockdown pending evacuation due to flood risks.
Looking Ahead
With the threat of more rain looming, emergency teams continue their exhaustive search and rescue mission amid community mourning. The impact on families and the region will reverberate for months as recovery efforts begin.
Key Facts:
- 24 people confirmed dead
- Up to 25 girls missing from Camp Mystic
- About 700 children were at the camp during flooding
- 237 rescued so far, including 167 by helicopter
- Guadalupe River rose 8 metres in less than an hour
- 14 helicopters and numerous drones aiding search
