In a tragic turn of events, relentless downpours have transformed serene rivers into raging torrents, obliterating homes and displacing families in central Texas. As rescue efforts unfold, the grim toll has now reached at least 51 fatalities, including 15 children, according to local officials.
The majority of casualties, totaling at least 43, were reported in Kerr County, with the remaining victims found in surrounding areas.
Tragically, among the missing are 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, as confirmed by Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice during a press briefing on Saturday evening. “We are currently addressing two categories: the known missing, which includes the 27 girls,” Rice stated. “Beyond that, we cannot ascertain numbers as the situation is fluid.”
Rescue teams have successfully evacuated or rescued over 850 individuals, with at least eight sustaining injuries. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha emphasized ongoing efforts to locate those still unaccounted for during a press conference on Saturday afternoon.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. expressed deep sorrow for the community, acknowledging the arduous challenges ahead while commending the relentless dedication of first responders. “Today will be a difficult day for us all,” Herring remarked. “We ask for your prayers for our community.”
The catastrophe struck during the early hours of Independence Day, as torrential rains led to an unprecedented surge of the Guadalupe River, which swelled 26 feet in a mere 45 minutes. The aftermath saw homes, vehicles, and vast stretches of the river valley swept away, leaving families frantically searching for news of their loved ones amidst a flood of social media appeals for information.
Among those still missing are the aforementioned girls from Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River near Hunt, a town northwest of San Antonio. “The camp was completely devastated,” recounted 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester, who witnessed a helicopter landing to evacuate individuals. “It was terrifying.”
On Friday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that approximately two dozen girls from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for out of over 750 campers present at the time. Fortunately, officials reported that all individuals at around 18 other camps along the river have been located safely.
During the Saturday morning press conference, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice stated that at least one girl from Camp Mystic has been confirmed deceased, while 27 remain missing. He further detailed that search and rescue operations continued overnight with specialized equipment, including helicopters, deployed to identify heat sources in the inundated areas.
“We initiated ground operations early this morning, focusing southwest of Hunt, near Camp Mystic,” Rice explained. “The terrain is challenging, but our teams are committed to gathering information as it becomes available.”
President Donald Trump has pledged that his administration will collaborate with state and local officials to provide necessary assistance, announcing that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will soon be on-site. “Melania and I are praying for all families affected by this tragic event. Our courageous first responders are on the ground doing their essential work. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS,” Trump declared in a July 5 post on Truth Social.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration to expedite aid to impacted communities, assuring that full state resources will be allocated for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. “This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” Abbott stated, noting that over 1,000 state responders from more than 15 agencies are engaged in the disaster response.
The floods also claimed the life of Jane Ragsdale, the director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills, another girls’ camp in Hunt. The camp remarked that she was “the heart and soul” of the community, while others at the camp managed to reach higher ground safely.
In parallel, the Kerrville Police Department announced on Facebook that emergency resources from across Texas have been mobilized to support search and rescue operations. “Our teams worked through the night and will continue until we locate all our citizens,” the department assured.
The National Weather Service warned on Saturday morning of the potential for slow-moving thunderstorms that could exacerbate flash flooding in already saturated central Texas, particularly west of Austin. Although widespread rainfall subsided by Friday evening, forecasters cautioned that new storms might drift southward, predicting rainfall totals of two to four inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches.
A Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday evening for a significant portion of south-central Texas, covering counties including Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, and Travis, among others. Forecasters have cautioned that excessive runoff could lead to rivers and streams overflowing, posing renewed risks to areas already devastated by flooding.
“Residents in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action should flooding occur,” the National Weather Service advised.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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