WORLD

"Texas Floods Leave 82 Dead, Families Search for Missing"

7.07.2025 3,12 B 5 Mins Read

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Families began searching through the remains of Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, on Sunday, following devastating flash floods that have claimed at least 82 lives across central Texas. The torrential rains not only washed homes off their foundations but have also left many people unaccounted for, including 10 girls and a counselor from the camp. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that there are currently 41 people reported missing statewide.

In Kerr County, where Camp Mystic is located, the search for the missing continues as rescuers navigate challenging conditions, including high waters and dangerous wildlife. Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that rescuers had discovered the bodies of 68 individuals, including 28 children. Abbott reassured the public that the search efforts will not cease until every individual is found. Tragically, an additional ten deaths have been reported in surrounding counties including Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson. Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety indicated that the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days.

The situation remains precarious, as forecasts predict further rounds of heavy rain that could result in more flooding. While Governor Abbott addressed the media in Austin, emergency alerts warning of imminent river flooding flashed on mobile devices in Kerr County, prompting immediate evacuation advisories. However, local authorities later stated that there was no immediate risk in the area.

As families were permitted to survey the damage at Camp Mystic beginning Sunday morning, the emotional toll became apparent. One girl was seen carrying a bell from the main camp building, while another family left the area visibly distressed, their teenage daughter in tears. The devastation was profound, with cabins left empty amidst piles of soaked mattresses and personal belongings.

Search efforts have employed helicopters, boats, and drones to locate victims and rescue stranded individuals trapped in trees and isolated camps due to washed-out roads. Within the first 36 hours of the disaster, over 850 individuals were reportedly rescued. Nevertheless, hope for finding additional survivors dwindled with each passing hour. Despite requests from authorities for volunteers to refrain from engaging in search efforts independently, many desperate family members have attempted to search the riverbanks.

The response to the flooding has raised pressing questions about the adequacy of emergency warnings issued before the disaster. The National Weather Service had previously warned of potential flooding in the area, even sending down a series of flash flood alerts just hours before the rains intensified. However, many campers and residents were caught off guard by the ferocity of the storm, which dumped months’ worth of rain in just a short span. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice assured that a comprehensive review of the emergency response would take place, focusing on the effectiveness of alert systems.

On a federal level, President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration on Sunday for Kerr County, enabling assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Although Trump stated his intention to visit the area soon, he emphasized the timing needs to be appropriate to avoid hindering response efforts. The president referred to the incident as a "horrible thing" and expressed sympathy for the affected families.

As search efforts continue, the community reflects on the tragic turn of events at Camp Mystic, a location cherished for its connection to outdoor activities. The story of survival amidst the chaos is echoed by accounts of individuals who clung to trees as floods swept past them. Notably, an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and the director of another nearby camp were confirmed dead, illustrating the wide-reaching impact of this disaster on families across states.

The sense of urgency is underscored by continuing flash flood watches and the rising waters of the Guadalupe River. The emotional response from both local and international communities is palpable, with prayers offered for those affected, including from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed condolences for the loss of life, especially amongst children attending summer camp. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and severity of natural disasters and their profound effects on families and communities.

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