Camp Mystic is mourning the loss of 27 campers and counsellors as search operations unfold in the aftermath of devastating floods in Texas during the Fourth of July weekend. The camp issued a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for the support from local and state authorities engaged in the rescue efforts for the missing girls.
The floods, attributed to heavy rainfall, have claimed over 80 lives across central Texas, with the number likely to increase. As emergency teams continue their search, local residents are reclaiming their belongings amidst the destruction, recounting harrowing escape stories from the rising waters.
One resident, Reagan Brown, shared how his elderly parents managed to escape their home in Hunt and even rescued a trapped neighbour. The search for the missing has been challenging, as rescuers, battling difficult terrain and hazardous conditions, attempt to locate those unaccounted for, including at Camp Mystic.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott indicated that 41 individuals remain missing, with a significant number of confirmed deaths across multiple counties. Officials caution that impending rain could exacerbate the flooding crisis, stirring concerns among the community.
Participants in the camp were granted access to survey the damage. Some emerged carrying remnants from the wreckage, visibly emotional as they navigated through the debris of what was once a vibrant campsite. Casualties include an eight-year-old girl and two sisters whose cabin was swept away.
Despite multiple warnings issued prior to the flooding, including flash flood alerts, local authorities admit they were unprepared for the severity of the weather conditions.
Governor Abbott highlighted commitments to review emergency responses while Pope Leo XIV extended prayers for victims and families affected by the tragedy. Survivors, recalling their terrifying experiences, revealed instances of clinging to trees or seeking refuge in attics, a stark reminder of the disaster’s impact.
As rescue operations continue and clean-up efforts begin, the community grapples with the aftermath of a horror that unfolded rapidly, as experts and officials assess the response and preparedness levels for such catastrophic events.