A devastating storm caused significant destruction in central Texas, resulting in at least 37 fatalities, including 14 children, as relentless floods swept through the region. The tragedy mainly unfolded at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, where most bodies were recovered. Thirty-six hours post-flooding, authorities indicated that 27 children from the camp were still unaccounted for.
In a matter of just 45 minutes before dawn, the waters of the Guadalupe River surged by eight metres, demolishing homes and disrupting lives. Despite ongoing heavy rainfall, which prompted flash flood warnings in the San Antonio area, rescue efforts continued with helicopters, boats, and drones deployed to locate victims and rescue those stranded in trees or isolated by washed-out roads.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged unwavering commitment to locate every victim, stating, “We will find every one of them.” However, the number of casualties seemed to rise, particularly in Travis County where three lives were lost and ten individuals remained missing, including a firefighter who was swept away while conducting a rescue operation in Burnet County.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 32 individuals had been recovered from the flood’s aftermath, leading to scrutiny on whether residents and campers in vulnerable areas received adequate warnings or preparation for the impending storms. The historic camps along the river, sited in a flood-prone area known for its water crossings, had become popular summer destinations, particularly around July Fourth.
Survivors described harrowing experiences, with one camper noting how their cabin was awakened by the storm’s ferocity around midnight. Reports of many children and families being swept away added to the gravity of the situation, as frantic parents sought information about their loved ones.
Rescue operations faced challenges amid adverse conditions, with authorities successfully relocating approximately 850 individuals. Despite warning notifications being disseminated by the National Weather Service and private forecasting services, officials admitted that the storm’s severity exceeded expectations. They noted that forecasts had not predicted such an intense downpour, but emphasized that they had warned residents about potential heavy rains.
As the search for the missing continued, local officials acknowledged the area’s notoriety for flash floods. Many residents experienced terrifying moments as they clung to trees or sought refuge in attics to escape rising waters. In response to criticism surrounding preparedness and communication, authorities stated that the unique terrain of Hill Country created unpredictable flooding patterns that caught many off guard.
The flooding events culminated in a desperate need for a stronger warning system, as officials grappled with the aftereffects of the storm, leaving a community in grief and recovery.