Central Texas remains in crisis as the death toll from devastating flash floods has risen to 43, including 15 children. The disaster has triggered a massive rescue operation, with hundreds of emergency responders deployed along the swollen Guadalupe River. Among the most heartbreaking developments is the disappearance of 27 children from a Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, located on the riverbanks.
The floods, caused by torrential rains that raised the river by over 26 feet in under an hour, caught many campers and residents while they slept. Camp Mystic, hosting about 750 girls for the 4th of July weekend, now lies in ruins mud-caked teddy bears and mattresses strewn across the site speak to the chaos of the early morning deluge.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha vowed that search operations would persist until all missing individuals are located. “The work continues, and will continue, until everyone is found,” he said. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed an expanded disaster declaration to aid the ongoing rescue efforts. He confirmed that this remains a search and rescue mission, not a recovery one.
Federal support is now in place, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announcing the deployment of Coast Guard personnel. President Donald Trump stated that his administration is working closely with local authorities to respond to the emergency.
So far, about 850 people have been rescued, but with multiple flash flood warnings still in effect and forecasts predicting up to 10 inches of additional rain in some areas, concerns remain high.
Heartbroken parents have confirmed the deaths of some children on social media. Others, like Rachel Reed from Dallas, rushed to reunite with their children. “The families of those campers are living every parent’s worst nightmare,” she said.
A special mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Sunday to honor the victims and support their families.
As central Texas braces for more rainfall, communities devastated by the floods begin the painful task of assessing losses, clinging to hope, and searching for their missing loved ones.
