Texas Flood Claims at Least 51 Lives
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Texas as responders sift through damaged trees, overturned vehicles, and debris left in the wake of a devastating flood that has claimed at least 51 lives, including several girls from a summer camp.
Authorities indicate that around 27 young girls remain missing after a sudden influx of water overwhelmed a Christian summer camp situated near the Guadalupe River. The majority of the deceased were located in this area.
Confirmed among the victims is an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, along with the director of another nearby camp. The official death toll stands at 43, which includes 15 children, according to Kerr County officials.
The waters rose dramatically—by 26 feet—in just 45 minutes early Friday morning, sweeping away homes and vehicles. Rainfall continued into Saturday.
Search teams utilized helicopters, boats, and drones to locate victims and assist individuals trapped in trees or stranded within camps due to washed-out roads.
Governor Greg Abbott announced plans for additional search areas as water levels began to recede. He has designated Sunday as a day of prayer for the state: “I urge all Texans to join me this Sunday in prayer—for those who have lost their lives, for those still unaccounted for, for our community’s recovery, and for the safety of our first responders.”
Officials are facing scrutiny regarding whether sufficient warnings were provided and if appropriate preparations were made before the disaster struck.
The hills surrounding the Guadalupe River host historic youth camps and campgrounds frequently visited by families seeking outdoor activities. This region typically sees high traffic around the July Fourth holiday.
“We cannot even begin to estimate at this point,” said Dalton Rice, City Manager of Kerrville.
The Camp Is Completely Destroyed
“The camp was utterly destroyed,” recalled Elinor Lester, 13 years old and one of hundreds present during the incident. “A helicopter came to evacuate people. It was incredibly terrifying.”
The intense storm awakened her cabin shortly after midnight on Friday. When rescuers arrived, they secured ropes for the girls to hold onto while navigating a bridge with rushing water lapping around their legs.
Concerned parents and family members shared images of missing loved ones online along with urgent requests for information.
Erin Burgess from Ingram experienced thunder and rain early that morning. Within just 20 minutes, water began flooding her home. She described an agonizing hour spent clinging to a tree alongside her teenage son.
“My son and I managed to float towards a tree where we held on tightly; my boyfriend and dog were momentarily swept away but we eventually found them,” she recalled.
Barry Adelman detailed how rising waters forced his entire family—including his 94-year-old grandmother and his 9-year-old grandson—into the attic of their three-story house.
“I had to reassure my grandson that everything would be alright while I felt terrified inside,” he shared.
