KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — In a devastating turn of events, the Texas Hill Country experienced months' worth of heavy rain within just a few hours, resulting in 24 confirmed deaths and a search for numerous missing individuals, including over 20 girls attending a summer camp. Emergency services were deployed for boat and helicopter rescues as floodwaters surged rapidly.
Desperate messages flooded social media as families searched for information on loved ones trapped in the flood-affected areas. Central Kerr County reported at least 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain overnight, leading to severe flash flooding in the Guadalupe River area. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the rising death toll at a news conference, stating that 237 individuals had been rescued so far, including 167 by helicopter.
The missing girls were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River in the town of Hunt. Elinor Lester, aged 13, recounted the terrifying experience of being airlifted to safety along with her cabin mates. "The camp was completely destroyed," she said, describing how rescuers instructed the girls to hold onto a rope while navigating the flooded bridge.
As search efforts continued, authorities warned that the situation remained fluid and could evolve, with ongoing rescues for an unspecified number of missing persons. Efforts to identify the deceased were also underway. Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office, reported a staggering 22-foot (6.7 meters) increase in river levels within a mere two hours, exacerbating the flooding crisis.
Flooding fears were palpable as individuals shared pleas for assistance on the Kerr County sheriff’s office Facebook page, posting pictures of missing family members. Governor Dan Patrick stated that around 400 people were on the ground aiding in the emergency response, with support from nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, while some rescuers even assisted individuals stranded in trees.
Approximately 23 of the nearly 750 girls at Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for, with search crews committed to locating everyone. Amidst the chaos, Erin Burgess described a harrowing experience of her home being engulfed by floodwaters as she clung to a tree with her son for safety. Fortunately, they located her boyfriend and dog shortly after, adding a mix of relief to a terrifying ordeal.
Residents like Matthew Stone voiced frustration over a lack of emergency alerts prior to the disaster, emphasizing that they received no warnings as they faced a “pitch black wall of death” in the form of flooding. Families gathered at a reunification center in Ingram, where emotional scenes unfolded as they were reunited with loved ones who miraculously escaped the flood.
Barry Adelman shared his nightmare of retreating with his family to the attic of their three-story home, where he had to reassure his grandson while battling intense fear of the rising water. Shockingly, the flood was not anticipated based on the forecasts, which had indicated potential rain and raised flood watches for over 30,000 residents in the area.
Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in Kerr County, attributed the unforeseen nature of the disaster to the lack of a warning system, asserting that "no one knew this kind of flood was coming." He acknowledged the region's historical vulnerability to flooding, highlighting its designation as “the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”
With a landscape typically characterized as a serene tourist destination known for river activities, the sudden onset of flash flooding exemplified the risks posed by the area's geographic conditions. Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, underscored the rapid flow of water in the hills due to the thin soil layer, explaining why such an intense flooding event could occur unexpectedly.
The events surrounding this flood have raised critical questions regarding emergency preparedness and public safety in an area that frequently experiences natural disasters. Despite being known for its beautiful rivers, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise during sudden severe weather occurrences.
