Flash Floods Devastate Central Texas: 81 Dead, Dozens Missing
At least 81 people have died and 41 remain missing after powerful flash floods swept through central Texas on Friday, with Kerr County suffering the worst of the devastation. The disaster is one of the deadliest weather events in the state’s recent history.
Girls’ Camp Tragedy in Kerr County
Among the worst-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The river surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, catching campers off guard in their sleep.
Many children and the camp's long-serving director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, are among the confirmed fatalities. The scene at the camp has been described as “nothing short of horrific” by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who visited the disaster area on Saturday.
“It was horrific to see what those young children went through,” Abbott said. “We will stop at nothing to find every missing person.”
Ongoing Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue teams, working amid dangerous conditions including venomous snakes, mudslides, and ongoing rainfall, continue their efforts. Several counties including Travis, Burnet, Williamson, Kendall, and Tom Green have also reported casualties.
With more rain expected through Monday evening, flood watches remain in effect. Authorities have shifted focus from rescue to recovery in what is now one of the largest mobilizations in Texas disaster response history.
Federal Response and Global Support
US President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, activating FEMA assistance to support state and local recovery efforts.
"We’re working very closely with Texas representatives," Trump said from New Jersey. “It’s absolutely horrible.”
Trump said he may visit the affected areas on Friday.
Support continues to pour in from across the country and around the world. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and their families, especially those who lost young daughters at the summer camp.
Community Steps Up
As official aid flows in, local residents are stepping up. Alma Garcia drove from San Antonio to deliver home-cooked meals to survivors and volunteers. Perla, a local Walmart employee, began collecting clothes and shoes just hours after the flood to donate at local shelters.
“I’ve never seen something like this before,” she told the BBC.
This tragedy underscores both the power of nature and the resilience of communities, even in the face of unimaginable loss.