KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) – Rescuers faced a daunting task Saturday as they searched through the wreckage of central Texas following a devastating flash flood. Mangled trees, overturned cars, and debris littered the landscape as authorities sought to locate survivors, including 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp that was overwhelmed by a sudden surge of water.
The flooding in Kerr County claimed at least 43 lives, including 15 children, while an additional eight fatalities were reported in neighboring counties. Officials indicated that the number of people still missing, aside from the campers, remained uncertain. Most of the casualties were found near Camp Mystic, which saw a historic rise of 26 feet in the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before dawn on Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. As rain continued to pummel areas outside San Antonio, flash flood warnings and watches were still in effect on Saturday.
Rescue operations employed helicopters, boats, and drones to search for victims and assist individuals trapped in trees or in camps isolated due to washed-out roads. Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged round-the-clock efforts and announced that new areas were being searched as waters receded, declaring Sunday a day of prayer for the state. "I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday—for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines," he stated.
Amidst the chaos, scrutiny emerged regarding whether residents and camps in areas historically prone to flooding received adequate warning and preparation. The terrain along the Guadalupe River features numerous youth camps and campgrounds that attract families, especially around the July Fourth holiday, complicating the task of accounting for the missing.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, described the perilous moments as the storm struck in the middle of the night. "The camp was completely destroyed," she recounted, explaining how rescuers arrived and assisted them across a bridge with fast-moving water swirling around them. Parents and families frantically shared images of missing loved ones on social media, seeking any updates.
Among the deceased identified was an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who had been attending Camp Mystic, along with the director of another nearby camp. The flooding, which caught many by surprise during the night, was described by AccuWeather as unprecedented, stating that the private forecasting service and the National Weather Service had issued warnings about potential flash flooding hours earlier. These warnings should have provided officials ample time to evacuate camps and ensure safety, according to AccuWeather.
While some camps, including Mo-Ranch in Hunt, took precautionary measures by relocating campers to higher ground, other camps were caught off guard. U.S. Representative Chip Roy labeled the flooding a "once-in-a-century" event, acknowledging that there would be considerable scrutiny regarding the response to the disaster.
Search crews continued their recovery efforts in challenging conditions, with over 850 individuals rescued in the past 36 hours. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured that the federal government would provide assistance, and the Coast Guard deployed helicopters and planes to aid ongoing operations.
In the aftermath of the flooding, families and evacuees sought reunification at designated centers, with mixed success reported. The situation remained tense as many people searched for their loved ones amidst the chaos.
As locals recalled the events, it became clear that the sudden downpour, equating to months of rain, had wreaked havoc on the community. Kerr County officials acknowledged that they had considered a flood warning system in the past but had not implemented it. The devastating scenes, including body bags at a funeral home, weighed heavily on community leaders, highlighting the long road to recovery that lay ahead.
