At least 81 people have tragically lost their lives in Texas following devastating flash floods that struck central parts of the state last Friday. Among the dead, 68 individuals—including 28 children—perished in Kerr County, where the floodwaters overwhelmed a riverside Christian girls’ camp. Another 41 people are still unaccounted for, and the situation remains fluid as rescuers continue to search the flood-stricken region.
In Kerr County, where the summer camp was inundated, search teams are scouring the area for survivors and victims. The floods, which struck before dawn, caused the Guadalupe River to rise by a staggering 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, catching many residents and campers off guard.
“It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who visited the region after the disaster. “We will stop at nothing to find everyone missing.” A massive search-and-rescue operation has shifted focus to recovery efforts, as heavy machinery is now clearing debris from the ravaged area.
The situation has been particularly dire at Camp Mystic, a well-known summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River. At least ten girls and a camp counselor remain missing, and several victims have been discovered as far as eight miles downriver. “I’ve seen clothing and items from the camp scattered everywhere,” Greg Froelick, a former Navy Seal assisting in the search, told BBC News.
The flooding occurred in the midst of the busy Fourth of July weekend, adding to the chaos. Some reports suggest that additional campers may have been swept away as the river’s rapid rise caught many by surprise.
Local authorities have been working tirelessly to search the wreckage, with authorities reporting five confirmed fatalities in Travis County, three in Burnet County, and additional casualties in other nearby counties. As the search continues, residents are doing their part to support relief efforts, collecting supplies and offering shelter to displaced families.
Amidst the grief, acts of kindness have shone through. Alma Garcia, a local resident from San Antonio, has been driving in to provide meals to survivors and volunteers working on the ground. “I was able to give her a dry shirt,” she said after meeting a drenched resident on the road.
The flood damage extends beyond Kerr County, with homes devastated and essential infrastructure like power lines and fences left in disarray. As search operations continue, Texas officials are preparing for more rainfall in the coming days, potentially hampering recovery efforts.
In a sign of solidarity, President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for the affected areas and activated the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in the ongoing relief operations. “We’re working closely with Texas authorities,” Trump said in a statement. “It’s a horrible tragedy, and we will provide all necessary support.”
Pope Leo XIV also expressed condolences for the victims, particularly the young girls from the summer camp, offering prayers for their families. “We pray for them,” the pontiff said during a special prayer on Sunday.
As the nation watches, Texas continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of the most devastating floods in its history, with more heavy rain expected to make recovery efforts even more challenging.
