At least 109 people have died and 160+ remain missing after catastrophic flash floods tore through Texas Hill Country this week, with rescue teams scrambling along the Guadalupe River. Kerr County alone reported 87 fatalities, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic – a summer retreat turned tragedy zone.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the floods "unimaginable" during a Tuesday briefing, urging families to report missing loved ones. Over 750 children were at Camp Mystic when floodwaters struck, with five campers and one counselor still unaccounted for as search efforts intensify. 🚁⚡
U.S. President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Kerr County after Governor Abbott toured the "horrendously ravaged" site. Local authorities continue working around the clock, deploying helicopters and boats to locate survivors. Camp Mystic officials praised rescue teams in a heartfelt statement: "Our hearts are broken… we pray for every family affected."
Meteorologists say steep terrain and sudden rainfall overloaded the river system within hours. With climate change fueling extreme weather patterns, this disaster highlights growing concerns about emergency preparedness in flood-prone regions. 🌍🔍
Reference(s):
Death toll in U.S. Texas flash floods climbs to 109, over 160 missing
cgtn.com