At least 51 people have died after sudden flash floods swept across central Texas, leaving behind destruction and grief. Among the missing are 27 young girls from a summer camp in Kerr County, where most of the victims were found. Search teams are working around the clock to find survivors in the wake of the disaster.
The floods hit early Friday morning when the Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Homes, roads, and vehicles were destroyed as the fast-moving water covered entire areas. The region remains under flash flood warnings as rain continues to fall.
Search and rescue crews are using helicopters, drones, and boats to locate those still unaccounted for. Many roads are still blocked by debris, making access difficult. Emergency responders are also rescuing people stranded in trees or trapped in isolated camps.
The missing girls were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp located by the river. Survivors described terrifying moments when water rushed into their cabins during the night. A 13-year-old camper recalled how they were led out of danger by rope, while the water swirled around their legs.
More than 850 people have been rescued in the past 36 hours. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a day of prayer and promised full support for recovery efforts.
“We will not stop until everyone is accounted for,” Abbott said.
Local leaders are now facing tough questions about whether enough warnings were given. The region is known as “flash flood alley” due to its steep terrain and many water crossings.
AccuWeather and the National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings hours before the disaster. The alerts may not have reached everyone in time, especially those camping in remote areas.
Camp leaders from nearby locations had taken steps to prepare for the storm. At Mo-Ranch Camp, hundreds of children were moved to higher ground. Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista had also posted about the weather concerns before their sessions ended.
Still, many families were caught off guard. Some residents said the storm was unlike anything they had seen before. Erin Burgess, a local resident, recalled clinging to a tree with her teenage son for nearly an hour as floodwaters rushed past. Her boyfriend and dog were swept away but were later found.
Barry Adelman, another resident, said his family, including his 94-year-old grandmother and 9-year-old grandson, had to escape into the attic.
“I had to stay strong for my grandson,” he said. “But I was terrified inside.”
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said search teams are working under harsh conditions. “We are checking every possible place,” he added.
Emergency officials said the full number of missing is still unknown. With the July Fourth holiday drawing many visitors to the area, counting the missing has proven difficult.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the area’s top elected official, admitted that they had once considered building a warning system along the river but never moved forward due to cost.
“No one expected this level of rain,” he said. “Seeing the damage from above is heartbreaking. We are now moving from rescue to recovery, and it won’t be easy.”
Kristi Noem, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, visited the area and pledged federal support. Coast Guard aircraft are helping with night searches to continue efforts around the clock.
As families continue to post photos of missing loved ones online, rescue teams remain hopeful. Officials say their mission will not end until everyone is found.
Donations are pouring in to support the victims through local charities, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
“This is a strong community,” said CEO Austin Dickson. “But the road ahead will be long.”
