At least 78 people, including 28 children, have died in catastrophic floods that swept through Texas over the weekend, with dozens still missing and rescue efforts ongoing. The tragedy, triggered by torrential rains on Independence Day, has left communities devastated particularly Kerr County in Texas Hill Country, the epicenter of the disaster.
Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 68 people perished in Kerr County alone, many of them children attending Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ summer camp. Ten campers and one counselor remain missing, prompting an intense search-and-rescue operation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference Sunday, said 10 more people had died across other counties including Burnet, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson. He toured the hardest-hit areas on Saturday, calling the scenes “nothing short of horrific.”
President Donald Trump offered his condolences, calling the event a “100-year catastrophe” and announced he would likely visit the affected area on Friday. Despite questions about his administration’s cuts to the National Weather Service, Trump deflected blame, instead focusing on ongoing federal efforts. FEMA has been activated, and U.S. Coast Guard aircraft have joined the search missions.
The Guadalupe River, swollen by up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rainfall, broke its banks early Friday morning, surging to 29 feet (9 meters) and catching many by surprise. More than 850 people have been rescued so far, some clinging to trees.
Camp Mystic suffered extensive damage. Katharine Somerville, a counselor, described chaos as floodwaters reached even the highest cabins. “We never imagined this could happen,” she told Fox News, recounting how military trucks evacuated terrified campers.
Emergency officials warn of additional flooding as more rain falls on already saturated soil. Volunteers have been evacuated from some river areas amid fears of another surge.
As recovery begins, the true toll of this disaster on lives, families, and communities is only beginning to unfold. With dozens still missing and thousands affected, Texas faces a long road to healing.
