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The Tragic Toll of the Texas Floods
At least 81 people have been confirmed dead in central Texas after devastating flash floods struck on Friday, with another 41 people still missing. Kerr County was hit hardest, accounting for 68 of the fatalities, including 28 children. The disaster severely impacted Camp Mystic, a riverside Christian girls’ camp, where ten girls and a counselor remain unaccounted for. Other affected areas include Travis County (five deaths), Burnet County (three), Williamson and Kendall Counties (two each), and Tom Green County (one). The numbers continue to rise as rescuers search for the missing.
Ongoing Rescue and Identification Efforts
Rescue operations are in full swing, but figures are rapidly changing as teams work tirelessly to find survivors. Officials expect the death toll to climb further. In Kerr County, 18 adults and 10 children who were recovered have yet to be formally identified. Efforts are now shifting from active search-and-rescue to recovery, making it one of the largest operations in recent Texas history. New storms expected over the next 24 to 48 hours threaten to further complicate the search, as teams contend with mud, debris, and even venomous snakes.
Catastrophe at Camp Mystic
Camp Mystic, a beloved summer destination for girls, became the epicenter of tragedy when the Guadalupe River suddenly rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes while campers slept. The flood caused significant damage, cutting the camp session short and resulting in the loss of several campers and the camp’s longtime director, Richard “Dick” Eastland. Some victims have been found up to eight miles downriver, with personal belongings scattered along the waterway. Uncertainty remains about the exact number of people camping in the area for the Fourth of July weekend and how many may still be missing.
Widespread Devastation and Community Response
The flood’s destruction extends well beyond Camp Mystic. Along the two-lane highway connecting Kerrville to the camp, homes are ravaged, trees uprooted, and furniture and fences are strewn across lawns. Downed utility lines add to the chaos. President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster in Kerr County, enabling federal aid and announcing a potential visit to the state. Local residents have stepped up, providing home-cooked meals, clothing, and shelter to those displaced. The outpouring of support shows the resilience and solidarity of the Texas community in the face of disaster.
Global Support and Prayers for Texas
Messages of sympathy and support have come from across the world. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the families affected by the flooding, especially for those who lost children at Camp Mystic. Locally, volunteers and residents are working around the clock to help their neighbors, collecting donations and providing emotional support. Despite the devastation, the sense of unity and compassion in Texas and beyond is clear, as the region begins the long process of recovery and healing.
