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At least six individuals have died in south-central Texas following torrential rains that led to a catastrophic flash flood event. Authorities also reported that 23 girls remain missing from a summer camp that was caught in the rapidly rising waters. The floodwaters swept across communities and camps with little warning, prompting urgent rescue missions by both boat and helicopter.
I. Flash Flood Strikes Without Warning
1. Heavy Rain Overwhelms Kerr and Kendall Counties
An intense storm system dumped between five to ten inches of rain overnight across parts of Kerr and Kendall counties, causing the Guadalupe River to surge to near-record levels. In Kerrville, water levels climbed more than 22 feet in just a few hours, leading to widespread flooding.
2. Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
At a press conference on Friday, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp, were unaccounted for out of 750 attendees. Emergency teams, including 14 helicopters and hundreds of personnel, were deployed to aid in rescue efforts. Patrick stated that six to ten bodies had been recovered, some of which were children.
II. Emergency Conditions and Government Response
1. Rapid Onset Left No Time to Evacuate
City officials in Kerrville described the event as unpredictable and swift. Dalton Rice, the city manager, noted that the deluge occurred in less than two hours and even radar systems failed to forecast the severity. The speed of the flooding left no opportunity for formal evacuation notices to be issued.
2. State and Federal Engagement
State Senator Pete Flores emphasized the importance of the initial 24 hours in rescue operations, describing the region as being in full “search-and-rescue mode.” Lieutenant Governor Patrick relayed that former President Donald Trump had been briefed and pledged full support, stating, “Whatever we need, we can have.”
III. Widespread Devastation Across the Texas Hill Country
1. Camps and Families Caught in the Flood
The Hill Country, a popular summer retreat with numerous children’s camps, was particularly hard hit. Parents and relatives turned to social media for news about loved ones. A post from the Ingram Fire Department included a statement from Camp Mystic, describing “catastrophic level floods” and noting that some roads had been washed away, delaying rescue operations.
2. Authorities Urge Caution
The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening conditions, advising residents to avoid water-covered roads. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office asked residents to shelter in place and evacuate if living near rivers or creeks. Officials stressed that the flood risk remains high with more rainfall expected.
IV. Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences
1. Resident Describes Narrow Escape
Erin Burgess, who lives in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood near Ingram, recounted waking up to heavy rain early Friday morning. Within 20 minutes, water breached her home. She and her 19-year-old son escaped by clinging to a tree while her boyfriend and dog were swept away—though eventually found safe.
2. Swift Waters Leave Little Time to React
Burgess credited her son’s height for saving her life, as they waited for the water to subside before managing to reach a neighbor’s home. Her account highlights the speed and danger of flash floods in drought-stricken areas where parched soil cannot absorb heavy rainfall.
V. Broader Impact Beyond Texas
1. Deadly Storms Strike New Jersey
Severe weather also claimed lives in central New Jersey. Two men, aged 79 and 25, were killed in Plainfield when a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm. The city canceled its Fourth of July festivities, citing public safety concerns.
Conclusion
The devastating floods in Texas have resulted in multiple fatalities, ongoing search efforts, and heart-wrenching stories of survival. With children still missing and more rain forecasted, officials continue to respond to one of the most intense weather emergencies the region has faced in recent memory. Communities remain on high alert as the threat of further flooding looms.
