KERR COUNTY, TX — A catastrophic wave of flash flooding tore through Texas Hill Country early Friday morning, leaving at least 104 people dead and dozens still missing, according to local officials.
Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a historic girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, where officials confirmed 27 campers and counselors have tragically died.
Search Continues for Campers, Statewide Disaster Declared
As of Monday, 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for, said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. The camp had been hosting around 750 children when the floods hit.
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County at the request of Governor Greg Abbott, who described the devastation as “horrendously ravaged.”
“We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins,” Abbott said after visiting the site.
The Guadalupe River rose an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes, engulfing buildings and sweeping away campers, RVs, and vehicles across multiple counties.
Multi-State Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams from Florida, Coast Guard units, and local responders have conducted more than 160 air rescues and saved 850 people, including 223 rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard alone.
One hero, Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, conducted 165 individual rescues during his first mission and was credited as the sole triage coordinator on the ground.
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Damage Beyond Kerr County
While Kerr County reported 84 fatalities, deaths have also been confirmed in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson, and Tom Green counties. At least 41 individuals statewide remain unaccounted for.
With storms continuing and questions being raised over the efficiency of flood warnings, officials are urging Texans to remain alert and report missing loved ones.
How You Can Help or Get Involved
Are you in Texas or have friends or family impacted by the floods? Share your story, express condolences, or stay updated on the rescue efforts on ridgecrestpact.org.
Comment below: Do you think early warning systems need to be improved in vulnerable flood zones?
