The devastating flash floods in central Texas have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 51 people confirmed dead, including 15 children. Hundreds of rescuers are working tirelessly to search for people missing in the worst-affected areas, particularly in Kerr County, where 43 people have died and 27 children remain missing from a Christian youth camp located along the River Guadalupe.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha assured that “the work continues, and will continue, until everyone is found.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed an expanded disaster declaration to boost search efforts, promising that officials will be relentless in ensuring they locate “every single person who’s been a victim of this event,” adding that “we will stop when the job is completed”.
The Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in less than an hour, catching many off guard. Pictures from the Camp Mystic summer camp show it in disarray, with blankets, mattresses, teddy bears, and other belongings caked in mud. Many campers were asleep when the river surged, and some were swept away by the powerful waters. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick revealed that many of the 27 missing girls were “under the age of 12”.
Lorena Guillen, whose home and restaurant were destroyed, recounted hearing screams from a family of five who were getting washed away and clinging to trees for rescue. “They were getting washed away,” Guillen said. “They were clinging on trees to be rescued. But the rescuers couldn’t get to them.” Over 850 people have been rescued so far, with many more still unaccounted for.
US President Donald Trump said his administration was working closely with local authorities to respond to the emergency. Governor Abbott has also assured that the state will do everything possible to support those affected by the floods. The National Weather Service warned that central Texas may see more flooding this weekend, with 2 to 5 inches of rain possible on Saturday.
As the community begins to recover, many are reflecting on the devastation caused by the floods. Rachel Reed, a parent whose daughter was staying at Camp Waldemor, drove five hours from Dallas to pick up her child.
“The families of those campers are living every parent’s worst nightmare,” she said. “Of course, it could have been me.” Jonathan and Brittany Rojas visited their relatives’ home, where only the foundation remained, and sadly, the mother and baby of the family remained missing.