Dozens dead, families reeling in the wake of flash flood tragedy in Texas

A devastating flash flood tore through central Texas early Friday morning, claiming the lives so far of at least 69 people and leaving the community of Hunt, particularly the cherished Camp Mystic, in heartbreak. The historic Christian summer camp—nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River and home to 750 girls during the season—was among the hardest hit as the river rose suddenly during a torrential downpour. Officials confirmed that 59 of the deaths occurred in Kerr County alone, including 21 children, with 18 adults and four children remaining unidentified. Camp Mystic, founded in 1926 and known for its mission to foster spiritual growth and self-esteem, saw at least 11 girls and one counselor still unaccounted for as of Sunday, as rescue workers raced against time in a desperate search. The tragedy has been deeply felt among families, some of whom have identified lost daughters, such as Lila Bonner and Janie Hunt of Dallas.

The floodwaters—described by officials as rising as much as 26 feet in under 45 minutes—swept through the Texas Hill Country with unprecedented speed and force. The National Weather Service had issued flood alerts prior to the storm, but criticism is mounting regarding whether those warnings reached enough people in time, and whether staffing shortages at the agency hindered its response. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly shared that his own property was nearly overtaken and described seeing rows of body bags before joining Senator John Cornyn and Kerrville’s mayor on a helicopter survey of the devastation.

Emergency operations have involved over 160 air rescues, with the U.S. Coast Guard saving 223 individuals and a total of 850 people rescued as of Saturday, including eight with injuries. Some survivors were found clinging to trees, while others were sheltered in place and provided with food and water. The federal government responded quickly, with President Trump signing a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. He and First Lady Melania Trump expressed prayers for affected families and commended first responders. Governor Greg Abbott, after visiting the flood-ravaged camp, called the damage “horrendously ravaged” and pledged that search efforts would not cease until every girl was accounted for.

The devastating floods in central Texas claimed lives across multiple regions. Authorities confirmed fatalities in several counties, including the state capital area. Dozens of people were rescued from rising waters, while others remain missing. Among the victims was a 62-year-old woman whose vehicle was swept away. The disaster struck a popular girls’ summer camp, where many children were reported dead or missing. In response, Pope Leo offered prayers during Sunday mass at the Vatican, expressing condolences to the families affected, especially those mourning the loss of children.

Now, as the river recedes and the community begins to assess the scale of loss, grief mingles with resolve. Camp Mystic’s website, featuring cheerful videos of girls dancing and playing by the water, stands in stark contrast to the devastation that unfolded.