Deadly Texas Floods: 43 Lives Lost, 15 Children Among Victims, 27 Campers Missing

Tragedy Strikes Central Texas as Flash Floods Claim Dozens of Lives

Central Texas is reeling from a devastating flash flood that has claimed the lives of at least 43 people, including 15 children. The tragedy struck Camp Mystic in Kerr County when the Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet within just two hours early Friday morning. As authorities continue their search and rescue operations, 27 girls remain unaccounted for.

The summer camp, which has been operating for over a century, was hosting nearly 750 girls and young women at the time of the disaster. Most attendees managed to escape to safety, but those sleeping on lower ground were not so fortunate. Some were reportedly clinging to trees to survive the raging waters.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice emphasized during a press conference that the primary focus remains on search and rescue efforts. "We are finding bodies and stuff," he stated grimly. "We knew today was going to be that day."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster for several counties affected by the flooding. Over 850 people have been rescued thus far, with 167 extractions conducted by helicopter. State resources and personnel continue to support local authorities in their efforts to locate the missing individuals.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who is currently in Texas, plans to visit Camp Mystic. The Christian camp near Hunt, Texas, has become the focal point of this tragic event.

Families across the country are mourning the loss of loved ones. Lila Bonner's family confirmed her death to KXAN-TV in Austin, expressing their grief while praying for others still missing. Similarly, the mayor of Mountain Brook, Alabama, Stewart Welch, conveyed his condolences for Sarah Marsh, an 8-year-old camper who attended Cherokee Bend Elementary.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, questions about accountability arise. Officials face increasing scrutiny regarding how the girls could have remained at the camp despite growing dangers. Severe-weather reports aren't always taken seriously due to potential inaccuracies, creating what Rice described as a "cry wolf" scenario. He noted that the rainfall exceeded expectations, almost doubling predicted levels.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch Thursday night, followed by a flash flood warning around 1 a.m. However, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly mentioned there was no specific warning about the flood's severity and that the county lacks a dedicated warning system.

By Friday morning, the Guadalupe River reached 29 feet in western Kerr County, marking the second-highest level recorded. This surpassed the 1987 flood levels, which tragically killed 10 teenagers near Comfort, Texas.

Government officials plan to provide another update Sunday morning. In response to the catastrophe, Governor Abbott has proclaimed Sunday as a "Day of Prayer."

As the search continues, the resilience of the community is being tested. The nation watches as Central Texas faces one of its darkest hours, hoping for miracles among the devastation.