Kerr County, At least 27 people are confirmed dead and more than 20 girls remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through parts of central Texas on Friday, overwhelming a girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
The disaster struck after heavy overnight rainfall caused the river to rise by over 26 feet in less than an hour, triggering flash floods that destroyed homes, roads, and parts of Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp located near Hunt, Texas.
Rescue crews from across the state, supported by helicopters, boats, and ground teams, are working tirelessly to locate the missing campers and staff. Most of the missing are girls between the ages of 10 and 14, last seen in cabins near the riverbank before the water surged through the area.
“The Water Came So Fast”
Survivors and local residents described terrifying scenes as the water rushed in without warning. “One moment everything was calm, and the next the river was roaring through the trees,” said a camp staff member. “We tried to get the girls to higher ground, but it was chaos.”
Some campers were rescued by helicopters while others were able to climb to safety. However, several areas of the camp remain inaccessible due to fallen trees, washed-out roads, and unstable terrain.
State Emergency Declared
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency across 15 counties. “This is a tragedy unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years,” Abbott said. “We are deploying every available resource to assist in rescue operations and to support the families affected.”
President Trump also addressed the disaster, promising full federal support and praising first responders for their ongoing efforts.
Investigation into Warning Delays
While the National Weather Service had issued flash flood alerts hours in advance, some residents reported not receiving any local emergency warnings. Authorities have confirmed they are investigating whether a failure in the alert system delayed evacuation efforts.
More Rain Expected
Weather officials have warned that additional rainfall is likely in the coming days, raising concerns for further flooding and complications in the ongoing search and rescue mission.
As families gather at emergency shelters, the search for the missing continues. What began as a summer tradition at a riverside camp has become a scene of heartbreak and urgency across Texas.
