Flash floods have devastated central Texas, killing at least 51 people, including 15 children, and leaving dozens missing, particularly in Kerr County. The worst-hit area is home to Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, where 27 girls—many under 12—remain unaccounted for. Sheriff Larry Leitha vowed that search efforts will persist “until everyone is found,” as hundreds of rescuers comb through debris and the riverbanks. Over 850 people have been rescued so far.
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state’s disaster declaration, pledging relentless efforts to locate all victims. “We will stop when the job is completed,” he said in a press briefing. Despite the scale of the tragedy, officials stressed it remains a search and rescue, not a recovery mission.
The flash floods were triggered by an intense deluge, with the Guadalupe River rising over 26 feet in less than an hour. Meteorologists warn that 2 to 10 inches of rain could fall in the region over the weekend, worsening the situation.
Camp Mystic was inundated while many of its 750 campers were asleep. Images show the site in ruins, with personal belongings and camp equipment buried in thick mud. The camp assured parents that any child not directly mentioned as missing has been accounted for. President Trump confirmed his administration’s support, saying federal agencies were coordinating with local responders. Flash flood warnings remain in effect, and the National Weather Service continues to monitor the area closely.
