Kerrville, Texas — Devastating flash floods have claimed at least 52 lives in central Texas, with the search ongoing for dozens of missing campers, including 27 girls from an all-female summer camp. The floods, described by State Representative Chip Roy as a “once-in-a-century event,” struck swiftly Friday morning following heavy rainfall that overwhelmed local waterways.
Among the deceased are at least 15 children, as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and recover the bodies of those lost. Authorities continue to deploy boats, helicopters, and ground crews in the widespread search mission, focusing on areas affected by the Guadalupe River’s destructive surge.
Tragically, four girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the river, have been confirmed dead. Reports describe how the camp was inundated as floodwaters rose quickly. The incident has prompted Texas Homeland Security officials to announce that Secretary Kristi Noem plans to visit the site.
Survivors have recounted heart-wrenching stories amidst the chaos. One local resident, Carl Jeter, helped rescue a woman trapped in the river for hours before she managed to cling to a tree. Jeter, who called authorities when help was slow to arrive, took matters into his own hands and coordinated with rescue teams to ensure her safety. “It’s a true miracle,” he said, reflecting on the dire circumstances faced by many.
The National Weather Service had initially predicted limited rainfall; however, some areas experienced over 20 inches, leading to rapid and catastrophic flooding that destroyed homes, washed away vehicles, and left communities reeling.
As rescue operations continue, local officials are prioritizing life-saving efforts. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice emphasized the urgency of finding every missing person. “We are committed to maintaining our focus on life safety until every individual is accounted for,” he stated during a press conference.
State and federal aid is expected to arrive soon, with President Donald Trump describing the floods as “terrible” and expressing solidarity with those affected. As the recovery efforts unfold, the community is coming together to support the victims’ families, holding vigils and sharing memories of loved ones lost.
The unprecedented flooding has raised concerns about safety and preparedness, prompting discussions on climate change and its implications for extreme weather events. As Texas faces the aftermath, experts urge greater awareness and better infrastructure to handle such unpredictable natural disasters in the future.
The trauma left by the floods lingers, while hope persists as search teams persist in their quest, determined to find those still unaccounted for in the wake of this tragic event.