Central Texas has been devastated by catastrophic flash flooding, leading to a significant loss of life and an ongoing search for dozens still missing. The disaster, triggered by torrential rains, caused rivers to overflow, particularly the Guadalupe River, which burst its banks on a Friday morning around 4 AM local time. This has submerged communities and summer camps, with Kerr County, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, being one of the most severely affected areas.

The death toll from the floods has tragically risen, with initial reports of 82 fatalities. As of Sunday afternoon, officials confirmed at least 79 deaths, and authorities caution that this number is certain to rise further, as many victims, including adults and children, still await identification. DNA is being collected from family members and flown to the University of North Texas in Dallas to expedite identification, promising rapid results within hours. The victims include 21 children, and 18 adults and four children remain unidentified. Beyond Kerr County, fatalities have also been reported in neighboring areas, including six in Travis County, at least four in Burnet County, two in Kendall County, and at least one in both Williamson and Tom Green counties.

Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls situated along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, was particularly hard hit. At the time of the floods, around 700 to 750 girls were on-site. The camp confirmed at least 27 deaths related to the incident, and as many as 11 girls and one counselor remained missing. Specific victims identified include 9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck, both confirmed dead, and 8-year-old Hadley Hanna, who was still missing. Additionally, Dallas sisters Blair Harber (13) and Brooke Harber (11) were among the lives lost, although they were not attending Camp Mystic but were in the area. Chloe Childress, a Camp Mystic counselor, was also tragically killed. Richard “Dick” Eastland, the camp’s long-time director, died trying to save the campers he deeply cared for, as confirmed by his grandson.

Rescue operations have been launched on a large scale, with helicopters, Texas game wardens, and specialized rescue teams deployed. Hundreds of people have already been saved, including some who clung to trees to escape the rising waters. Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged that rescue crews would work around the clock to find those still unaccounted for, emphasizing that every minute counts. US President Donald Trump has signed a “major disaster declaration” for Kerr County, ensuring that rescuers receive necessary resources and prompting the deployment of Federal Emergency Management Agency teams and Coast Guard helicopters.

Despite these efforts, the floods have also brought to light criticism regarding deep staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Trump administration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem admitted that the initial forecast only predicted a “moderate” flood watch, failing to anticipate the severity of the deluge that caused river levels to swell to 29 feet. Local leaders and experts warn that under-resourced weather offices could leave communities more vulnerable to future emergencies.

The danger is far from over, as Governor Abbott indicated that additional rounds of heavy rains could persist, potentially producing more “rapid flash flooding events” especially in already saturated areas. He urged drivers to be “extraordinarily cautious,” warning that rising water on roads can rapidly sweep away vehicles. Abbott stressed the importance of safety, advising people to “turn around, don’t drown” rather than risking their lives to drive through flooded areas. Scenes from Camp Mystic vividly illustrate the disaster’s brutality, with mud lines reaching six feet up cabin walls and personal belongings left wrecked and caked in dirt, underscoring the profound impact on the community.