Devastating Flooding in Texas Causes Child Casualties
Catastrophic flooding in Texas has led to a dire situation, with dozens of children reported missing and several fatalities after intense deluges swept through summer camps and other areas. Local officials have confirmed that 23 young girls are currently unaccounted for following the powerful flood that inundated Camp Mystic, also displacing structures and other individuals caught in its path.
As the crisis unfolds, numerous families have turned to social media, urgently appealing to the public for assistance and community support in locating their missing children. Among those specifically identified as missing from Camp Mystic since the Friday flooding are Kellyanne Lytal, Virginia Hollis from Cabin Twins 2, and Lainey Landry, whose family reported no contact since the floods. Beyond Camp Mystic, families from Beaumont are also seeking help to find loved ones, including Tanya and Jeff Ramsey, who were believed to be caravaning at HTR TX Hill Country RV when the waters struck.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick provided insights into the scale of the disaster, noting that the Guadalupe River surged an astonishing 26 feet within a mere 45 minutes, leading to the destructive flood. He reassured parents that if they had not been contacted by officials, their child was accounted for, clarifying that being 'missing' does not necessarily mean 'lost' and could simply indicate a lack of communication. Patrick also acknowledged and thanked the public for their offers of personal helicopters and drones for recovery efforts, though he stated they were not needed at that time.
Recovery efforts are actively underway, including the deployment of an emergency helicopter to rescue campers stranded at affected properties. Camp Mystic officials have stated they are cooperating fully with search-and-rescue operations. However, they are facing significant logistical hurdles, including a complete lack of power, water, and Wi-Fi, compounded by a nearby highway being washed away, which is severely impeding the arrival of additional aid and resources.
