Flash floods have wreaked havoc across Texas Hill Country, leaving at least 81 dead and 41 more missing after the Guadalupe River swelled to dangerous levels early Friday morning. This devastating event has particularly affected Kerr County, where a children’s summer camp, Camp Mystic, is located. As of Sunday, 68 people had died in Kerr County alone, with 40 adults and 28 children confirmed among the victims. The disaster continues to unfold, with several rescue operations still ongoing.
The Devastation in Kerr County
The catastrophic floods have left communities in shock, with authorities struggling to account for all those affected. The floods were triggered by excessive rainfall that caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly, surpassing the height of a two-story building. At least 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic are among the missing, though officials have since updated the figure to reflect that 27 individuals were initially feared missing. The camp, which was home to around 750 children, was one of the worst-hit locations.
Search and Rescue Operations
In response to the widespread damage, search and rescue operations have been launched throughout the affected areas. Emergency teams have conducted over 160 rescues, with U.S. Coast Guard personnel responsible for saving 223 people. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has deployed various teams, including drones, helicopters, and high-water vehicles, to locate survivors and search for those who remain missing. Despite the recovery efforts, the floodwaters have proven difficult to navigate, especially in rural areas where communication is limited.
The Toll and Response
Governor Greg Abbott signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County and other affected areas on Sunday, enabling additional resources and support. Abbott visited Camp Mystic on Saturday, describing the scene as “horrendously ravaged” and vowed that authorities would continue their search efforts until every person affected by the flood was accounted for.
Texas officials also revealed that the Guadalupe River reached its second-highest level on record, exceeding the peak of the infamous 1987 flood. Authorities had not predicted the rapid rise of the water, which reached a shocking 29 feet in some parts, leaving residents with no time to prepare for the scale of the flooding.
The Impact on Camp Mystic and Families
Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, was devastated by the floodwaters. Several cabins, including those housing younger children, were washed away by the rising waters. Some campers were evacuated by helicopter, and though many have been rescued, others remain unaccounted for. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed his hopes that those still missing would be found alive, and many families are holding onto hope as search efforts continue.
Among the missing are three young girls from Dallas—8-year-olds Hadley Hanna, Eloise Peck, and 9-year-old Lila Bonner. Sadly, Lila Bonner was confirmed dead, and Eloise Peck’s family also confirmed her passing on Sunday. The tragedy has left many parents devastated, with some reporting that their children were evacuated from the camp just in time. Elizabeth Lester, the mother of one camper, shared her relief that her child was safe but expressed deep concern for those still unaccounted for.
A Broader Impact
In addition to Kerr County, flash flood emergencies were declared in other counties across Texas, including Travis County, where at least six deaths were confirmed, and Burnet County, which saw three deaths. Officials are continuing to search across the state, and authorities remain concerned about those still missing. Families are urged to contact local officials with any information about loved ones believed to be lost.
President Trump expressed his condolences, offering prayers for the families affected by the disaster. At the Vatican, Pope Leo extended a prayer to the victims of the flooding, expressing his condolences to the families, particularly those who lost children at Camp Mystic.
Ongoing Efforts
The Texas Hill Country has been devastated by this unprecedented flooding, and the search for missing persons is ongoing. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly in challenging conditions, and officials are committed to ensuring that everyone affected is found and accounted for. The flood has caused unimaginable grief for the families of the victims, and Texas authorities are determined to provide as much support as possible in the aftermath of this disaster.
