CHICAGO — A catastrophic flash flood event in central Texas has left at least 66 people dead and more than two dozen still missing, including campers from the all-girls Camp Mystic in Kerr County, officials confirmed Sunday. The natural disaster has drawn national attention and federal support, as emergency responders continue intensive search efforts.
Flash Flood Strikes Without Warning
The flooding began early Friday morning along the Guadalupe River, which rose with shocking speed — in one location climbing 26 feet in just 45 minutes, overtaking homes, summer camps, and roads with devastating force.
Of the 66 confirmed fatalities, 59 were in Kerr County alone, including 38 adults and 21 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha. Many of the victims have yet to be identified. Officials reported that at least 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing, down from earlier estimates of up to 27.
More than 750 children were at the camp when floodwaters surged through the area, pushing some to seek safety in trees or elevated structures.
“Catastrophic Damage” at Camp Mystic
Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited Camp Mystic and described the scene as “horrendously ravaged.” In a social media post, he vowed, “We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.” Images showed destroyed cabins, debris-littered riverbanks, and stunned onlookers searching for survivors.
President Trump, during remarks aboard Air Force One, called the event a “terrible thing” and later posted on Truth Social expressing prayers for affected families, pledging federal assistance.
Emergency Response and National Support
Rescue operations have been extensive. According to Kerr County officials, more than 160 air rescues and 850 total evacuations have occurred so far, many performed by the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies.
Drones, helicopters, high-water vehicles, and rescue divers continue to scour the area. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized the urgency, stating, “We will stop at nothing… every person must be found.”
The flooding overwhelmed multiple counties including Travis, Burnet, and Tom Green, where additional fatalities and missing persons have been confirmed. The federal government has approved an expanded disaster declaration, ensuring aid across the affected region.
Campers, Families, and Community Struggle to Cope
Among the missing and deceased are children from across Texas. Nine-year-old Lila Bonner, a Dallas resident attending Camp Mystic, was confirmed dead Saturday. Two Dallas sisters, 13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber, also died in the flood while visiting grandparents, who remain missing.
Elinor Lester, 13, recounted being airlifted from her elevated cabin. “It was really scary,” she told reporters. “The camp was completely destroyed.” Her mother added that her son, staying at nearby Camp La Junta, survived thanks to a counselor’s quick thinking.
Other area camps, including Camp Waldemar, reported that all their attendees and staff were safe.
No Forecast Predicted the Scale of This Disaster
Officials say the National Weather Service did not forecast the extreme rainfall that triggered the flooding. While initial estimates suggested up to 8 inches of rain, the region received significantly more, focused on both forks of the Guadalupe River.
The Guadalupe River at Hunt reached its second-highest level on record, exceeding even the 1987 flood. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly admitted, “We had no warning system. We didn’t know. Nobody saw this coming.”
Homes were swept away, vehicles floated downriver, and entire roadways were washed out, isolating some communities. Restaurant owner Lorena Gullen, whose property borders an RV park, described hearing car horns from submerged vehicles: “They were washing away but they kept going. It was impossible.”
Vigil, Recovery, and Ongoing Hope
Pope Leo offered prayers during Sunday mass for families who lost loved ones in the flood, and communities across Texas have begun holding vigils. Faith groups, charities, and foundations like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country are rallying resources to aid survivors.
Despite the damage, officials say the full scope of the disaster is still unfolding. The exact number of missing persons may fluctuate as reunification centers continue their work.
Have you or someone you know been affected by severe flooding while visiting camps or parks outside Illinois? Share your story in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — where local voices and national disasters connect.
