KERRVILLE, Texas — Rescue operations were underway Saturday for over two dozen children from a girls’ camp and other individuals still unaccounted for after intense flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country. The powerful storm that triggered the flooding claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including nine children.
The Guadalupe River experienced a rapid rise of 26 feet in just 45 minutes early Friday morning, sweeping away homes and vehicles. As the storm continued to batter the region, authorities issued flash flood warnings for parts of central Texas, particularly around communities outside San Antonio.
City officials reported that around 27 campers from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located along the river, were still missing. Kerrville’s city manager, Dalton Rice, noted uncertainty about the total number of individuals unaccounted for in other locations.
“It’s going to be a very difficult day for our community,” said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., as he urged residents to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers.
Search and rescue teams deployed helicopters, boats, and drones to locate victims and provide assistance to those trapped in trees or isolated camps due to washed-out roads. The exact number of missing individuals remained unclear, as Rice opted not to provide an estimate.
Parents expressed their anguish on social media, sharing photos of their loved ones and pleading for any updates on their whereabouts. Twelve-year-old Elinor Lester, a camper at Camp Mystic, described the chaotic scene as a helicopter arrived to evacuate campers, highlighting the terrifying experience as water levels rose rapidly around them.
Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the 27 fatalities, with rescue teams reporting they had saved approximately 850 people. The sudden severity of the floods surprised many, especially those at the camp, which is known for its summer activities.
Weather forecasts had anticipated heavy rain, yet the scale of the deluge caught officials off guard. Earlier in the week, predictions suggested the possibility of up to six inches of rain, but the reality turned out to be many times greater.
AccuWeather mentioned that warnings were issued hours before the disaster, suggesting that they provided ample time for officials to evacuate vulnerable locations. However, local officials stated they had not anticipated such an unprecedented rainfall, described by experts as characteristic of “flash flood alley” due to the area’s unique terrain.
Amid the search efforts, conditions were challenging, with crews methodically inspecting waterlogged rivers and densely wooded areas. More than 1,000 rescuers joined the effort, including U.S. Coast Guard helicopters that arrived to aid in the rescue.
A reunification center set up at a local elementary school experienced a variety of emotions, as families sought news of missing relatives, some reuniting in tears while others continued to worry about loved ones still unaccounted for.
As days of rain were expected to linger over central Texas, concerns grew regarding the adequacy of warning systems and emergency preparedness in the area known for its summer tourism. County officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, emphasized that alerts were disseminated but failed to prevent the disaster.
The rain-worn terrain of the Texas Hill Country renders it susceptible to rapid flooding, as water rapidly flows downhill, overwhelming capacity in rivers and streams. This area’s combination of natural beauty and community gatherings makes it a cherished destination, posing a paradox when nature unleashes its fury.
Local leaders continue to gather support for recovery efforts while the search for the missing persists, leaving families in a state of uncertainty and anguish. As the community grapples with the aftermath, calls for improved safety measures echo among residents and officials alike.