Flash floods in central Texas claim at least 43 lives, including 15 children.
A catastrophic flash flood struck central Texas on Friday, leaving at least 43 people dead, including 15 children, with dozens more feared missing. Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly on Saturday, combing through the flood-ravaged riverbanks, upturned trees, and debris-littered areas in hopes of finding survivors.
The hardest-hit location was Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old girls’ camp, where the floodwaters swept away dozens of young girls. The camp, known for its summer retreats, saw 27 children still unaccounted for. While officials are still trying to determine the full scale of the damage, it is clear that the camp experienced immense destruction.
The floodwaters rose with alarming speed, reaching over 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, engulfing cabins, vehicles, and parts of the camp. Witnesses reported hearing screams as debris-strewn waves surged through the river valley. The flood struck in the early hours, leaving little time for people to escape.
Rescue efforts have been relentless, supported by helicopters, drones, and K-9 units. However, the difficult terrain and the overwhelming damage have made the search even more challenging. As the hours passed, the chances of finding survivors grew slimmer, and families anxiously gathered in makeshift shelters, hoping for any news of their loved ones.
Governor Helena Sanders called the disaster “a heartbreaking tragedy” and declared a state of emergency across several counties in the affected region. The National Weather Service confirmed that the storm responsible for the flash floods brought record rainfall to the area, exacerbating the already dangerous conditions.
Recovery teams are working around the clock, but with many roads still impassable, it will be days before the full extent of the damage is clear. The community holds its breath, waiting for any signs of hope in this heartbreaking situation.
