Over 100 people have been confirmed dead due to flash floods in central Texas, with at least 84 fatalities reported in Kerr County alone. Authorities are continuing their search for dozens of individuals who remain missing after four days of efforts. Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp in the area, has confirmed that at least 27 girls and staff members are among the deceased, while 10 children and one counselor are still unaccounted for. The region is expected to experience more rain and thunderstorms, raising the risk of additional flash floods. Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of flood warnings issued. According to the White House, President Trump plans to visit the affected area later this week.
Officials in Kerr County, Texas, have rescued 84 individuals following devastating flooding that swept through Central Texas, impacting an all-girls summer camp and prompting a frantic, multi-day search for survivors.
Overview: The flash flooding, which began early Friday on the Guadalupe River, has claimed over 100 lives statewide, with water levels rising more than 25 feet in under an hour. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported during a Sunday briefing that 41 individuals remain unaccounted for across various regions, with many more potentially missing.
Latest Updates: According to a Facebook post from the local sheriff's office on Monday evening, of the 84 confirmed fatalities in Kerr County, 56 were adults and 28 were children. Identification is still pending for 22 adults and 10 children. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and officials emphasize the importance of volunteers registering with the Kerrville Salvation Army.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) noted during the briefing that over 850 high-water rescues have been conducted since the flooding began, highlighting numerous acts of local heroism.
Specifics: Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls, announced on its website that 27 campers and counselors lost their lives in the flooding. "Our hearts are broken alongside the families enduring this unimaginable tragedy," the statement read. "We are constantly praying for them." The camp is actively deploying resources to locate the remaining missing girls. As of Monday, 10 campers and one counselor are still unaccounted for. Tragically, Dick Eastland, the camp director, was among those who perished, along with girls as young as 8 and 9.
Governor Abbott described his visit to the camp as "nothing short of horrific."
Wider Impact: While Kerr County has the highest death toll, fatalities have also been reported in five other counties. President Trump announced on Sunday that he signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County and stated that federal officials are working with state and local authorities. He confirmed plans to visit Texas on Friday, calling the situation a "terrible event."
Current Situation: A flood watch remains in effect across the state until 7 PM CDT Monday, with additional rainfall anticipated, according to the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio. "After several days of severe thunderstorms and torrential rains leading to catastrophic flooding in south-central Texas, some relief is expected on Tuesday," the NWS forecasted on Monday. They warned that ongoing thunderstorms could still cause life-threatening flash flooding into the evening but noted that activity should diminish by Tuesday, with scattered thunderstorms primarily affecting areas north of the recently impacted regions.
