News Summary
A catastrophic flash flooding event in Kerrville, Texas has led to over 100 fatalities, primarily among children at Camp Mystic. The camp was hosting approximately 750 young girls when the floods struck. The devastating impact has prompted widespread rescue operations and a state of prayer declared by Governor Abbott, as recovery efforts begin amidst a deep sense of grief in the community.
Kerrville, Texas – A devastating flash flooding incident in central Texas has left more than 100 people dead, primarily children, following a catastrophic event at Camp Mystic. The camp, which caters to young girls, was hosting approximately 750 campers when the floods hit during the Fourth of July holiday, marking one of Texas’s worst natural disasters in history.
Reports indicate that at least 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic are among the deceased. The floods caused unprecedented destruction throughout Kerr County, the area most significantly impacted by the disaster. The situation continues to evolve, with nearly 50 additional deaths reported in surrounding areas, and officials fear the toll could rise as recovery efforts are underway.
The flash flooding, described by witnesses as a “pitch-black wall of death,” overwhelmed parts of the region after rain fell at alarming rates. The National Weather Service issued its first warning for impending floods at 1:18 PM local time on Thursday, with successive alerts extending through the night and into Friday morning. Some areas received several months’ worth of rainfall in mere hours, with recorded totals of 6.5 inches in 180 minutes in Hunt, Texas, where Camp Mystic is located. Overall, some regions experienced total rainfall reaching up to 15 inches.
During this intense rainfall, the Guadalupe River rose dramatically, increasing 26 feet in just 45 minutes and surging by 33 feet within two hours. This remarkable rise exceeded the record flood level set in July 1987. As water overwhelmed homes, businesses, and vehicles, initial estimates indicate that the economic loss from the flooding could range between $18 billion and $22 billion.
City Manager Dalton Rice emphasized the deep emotional and physical pain the community is experiencing as search and rescue operations commenced on Friday morning. These efforts involved over 1,000 responders from local, state, and federal agencies, who worked tirelessly over a 60-mile area. Approximately 850 people were rescued by crews utilizing boats, drones, and helicopters.
As the situation unfolded, Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide day of prayer in response to the tragedy. Furthermore, he signed a request for a federal emergency declaration, which was promptly approved by President Trump. Camp Mystic has confirmed the loss of at least 27 campers and counselors, expressing profound grief on its website. Tragically, the camp’s director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, was also among the deceased.
Reports indicate that most structures at Camp Mystic were inundated with floodwaters, leading to harrowing conditions inside dormitories as rescuers worked to recover those trapped. By Monday night, ten campers and one counselor remained unaccounted for, raising concerns for their families and the community.
In a display of unity, families affected by the floods gathered for a vigil at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, in remembrance of those lost. Meanwhile, weather forecasts indicated drier weather in the following week, providing a glimmer of hope for recovery and relief efforts.
As local residents return to assess their flood-damaged properties, many are faced with the heartbreaking task of salvaging what they can. Some homes have been completely destroyed, and personal accounts reveal significant trauma experienced during the flooding. One survivor recounted the harrowing ordeal of clinging to a tree to escape the rising waters while searching for assistance.
Controversy also emerged as a pediatrician from a Houston hospital system was dismissed after making inflammatory comments about the flooding on social media. The pediatric clinic has since distanced itself from the remarks, asserting that it has a zero-tolerance policy for politicizing tragedies and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the families affected by the floods. The pediatrician’s comments suggested that the severity of the disaster was influenced by the voting behavior of Kerr County residents, which sparked public outcry.
With recovery efforts continuing, communities across Texas remain united in their grief and determination to rebuild after the devastating flash flooding that has deeply affected so many.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Catastrophic Flooding in Texas Claims Over 100 Lives
Catastrophic Flooding in Kerr County, Texas
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Catastrophic Flooding Claims Lives in Central Texas
Devastating Flooding in Texas Claims Over 80 Lives
Central Texas Flooding Claims Lives and Causes Destruction
Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Texas Floods Pediatrician Comments
- Wikipedia: Texas Floods
- Fox News: Texas Floods Live Updates
- Google Search: Texas Floods
- NBC News: Texas Floods Live Updates
- Google Scholar: Texas Floods
- New York Times: Texas Flood Hill Country Search
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Floods
- Reuters: Texas Floods Death Toll Creeps Up
- Google News: Texas Floods
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