KERRVILLE, Texas — A torrential downpour in Texas Hill Country led to devastating flash floods, resulting in 24 confirmed fatalities and numerous individuals still unaccounted for, including over 20 girls from a summer camp. Emergency rescue teams worked tirelessly on Friday, deploying boats and helicopters to extract stranded residents from swiftly rising waters.
Desperate families took to social media to find updates on their loved ones caught in the chaos. Central Kerr County experienced over 10 inches of rainfall in just a few hours, causing the Guadalupe River to surge beyond its banks, inundating nearby areas.
Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the rising death toll at a press briefing, stating that around 237 people had been safely evacuated, 167 of whom were rescued via helicopter. Among the missing campers were approximately 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp situated alongside the Guadalupe River in the small town of Hunt.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, described the harrowing experience as a severe storm awakened her group around 1:30 a.m. After being rescued, she recounted walking across a bridge with rescue teams using ropes to guide them through the flood waters. “The camp was completely destroyed,” Lester said, visibly shaken by the experience.
As search efforts continued, officials warned that the death toll could shift again as more information became available. Authorities were actively working to identify the deceased.
Meteorologist Bob Fogarty from the National Weather Service reported that river gauges recorded a rapid rise of 22 feet within approximately two hours, exacerbating the perilous conditions. “The speed of the water can overshadow the danger until it’s too late,” Fogarty remarked.
In response to the unfolding disaster, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stated that at least 400 personnel were involved in recovery efforts. Notably, nine rescue teams along with 14 helicopters and 12 drones were deployed to locate individuals stranded in high-risk areas.
Eyewitness accounts depicted moments of terror as the storm brought flooding too swift for many to prepare. Erin Burgess, who awoke to the sound of roaring thunder, described an agonizing wait while clinging to a tree with her son as water surged into their home. “I was scared to death,” Burgess stated, reflecting on the life-threatening situation.
As families gathered at a reunification center in Ingram, emotions ran high. Some were overjoyed upon seeing their loved ones return, while others waited anxiously, praying for news of those still missing. Sixty-year-old Barry Adelman recalled how his family had to take refuge in their attic as floodwaters threatened to engulf their home.
Despite a designated flood watch in effect, many residents expressed frustration over the lack of a warning system to alert them to the impending danger. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged that authorities had not anticipated such a catastrophic flood, underscoring a need for improvement in emergency communication.
The Texas Hill Country, often called “flash flood alley,” is notorious for its rapidly changing weather conditions due to thin soil layers that send water rushing downhill when heavy rain falls. The region, known for its stunning rivers and tourism, is now facing a long road to recovery after this tragedy.
Local organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance to affected families, emphasizing the community’s resilience amid disaster. As rescue operations persist, many hope for the safe return of those still unaccounted for in the aftermath of this devastating flooding event.