The catastrophic flooding that swept through central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend has claimed the lives of more than 100 people, with search teams tirelessly working to find those still missing. Among the victims are at least 27 girls and counselors from Camp Mystic, a youth summer camp situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River, where the floodwaters struck suddenly.
The disaster has left communities reeling, with the hardest hit area being Kerr County, where 84 fatalities—including 28 children—have been confirmed. Rescue operations involving helicopters, boats, dogs, and approximately 1,750 personnel continue amid warnings of further heavy rain that could worsen flooding conditions.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott cautioned, “There is still a threat of heavy rain with the potential to cause flooding,” signaling that the death toll may rise further. President Donald Trump, who has described the event as a “100-year catastrophe,” plans to visit Texas on Friday. The White House has defended the National Weather Service against criticism regarding preparedness, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning.” She affirmed that the National Weather Service issued “timely and precise forecasts and warnings.”
The tragedy at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp hosting about 750 people, remains a focal point of grief. Texas Senator Ted Cruz remarked on the loss, emphasizing that camps are places to make “lifetime friends — and then suddenly it turns to tragedy.” Residents and experts alike are calling for improved flood-warning systems in the region known as “Flash Flood Alley,” where such deluges are common. San Antonio mother Nicole Wilson, who nearly sent her daughters to the camp, launched a petition urging Governor Abbott to approve a modern alert network, stating, “Five minutes of that siren going off could have saved every single one of those children.”
At a candlelight vigil in San Antonio, community members gathered to mourn and express hope for better preventative measures. The floodwaters surged to heights exceeding a two-story building in less than an hour, sweeping away cabins and belongings, and leaving a trail of destruction. Climate scientists warn that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.
Okay.ng reports that the scale of the disaster has prompted a major disaster declaration, unlocking federal aid and resources to support recovery efforts.
