Catastrophic Flooding in Texas Leaves 24 Dead and Many Missing
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — A devastating deluge in the Texas Hill Country resulted in flash flooding that claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals and left numerous others unaccounted for. The heavy rain, totaling more than 10 inches overnight, inundated the region, leading to swift rescue operations involving boats and helicopters as search teams comb through tumultuous floodwaters.
Among those missing are over 20 girls attending a summer camp, prompting frantic appeals from families across social media platforms seeking news of their loved ones.
Details of the Tragedy
At a press conference on Friday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the grim toll of the flooding. As of late evening, emergency services reported rescuing 237 individuals, with 167 of those rescues performed via helicopter. The majority of the unaccounted girls were campers at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.
Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester recounted the traumatic experience her cabin faced during the storm. “It was really scary,” she said, explaining how they were forced to walk across a flooded bridge, holding onto a rope to steady themselves.
The Flood’s Impact
According to meteorologist Bob Fogarty from the National Weather Service, the situation escalated rapidly, with a river gauge indicating a staggering 22-foot rise in just two hours. The gauge eventually malfunctioned after recording a height of 29.5 feet. “You’re not going to recognize how bad it is until it’s on top of you,” Fogarty warned.
Families gathered at a reunification center in Ingram, filled with emotion as they awaited news of their relatives. Among them, Barry Adelman expressed his horror as water invaded his three-story home, trapping all occupants, including his 94-year-old grandmother and 9-year-old grandson, in the attic.
Rescue Efforts Underway
In response to the crisis, Texas Governor Dan Patrick stated that approximately 400 personnel were actively engaged in rescue operations. This effort included nine specialized teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, with rescuers retrieving people stranded on trees and in other perilous locations.
Many residents experienced the flood’s suddenness, with Ingram resident Erin Burgess describing how she and her son clung to a tree for safety. “We floated to a tree where we hung onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away,” she shared, highlighting the chaos of the situation.
Residents Caught Off Guard
Despite warnings of potential heavy rainfall, some residents felt ill-prepared for the intensity of the flood. Matthew Stone noted the absence of an emergency alert on his phone, describing the scene as “a pitch-black wall of death.” Local officials acknowledged the limitations of their warning systems, with Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stating, “No one knew this kind of flood was coming.”
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Dead | 24 |
| Missing (Camp Mystic) | 23+ |
| Rescued | 237 |
| Helicopter Rescues | 167 |
A Community in Crisis
The Texas Hill Country is known for its beautiful rivers and picturesque landscapes, which attract tourists. However, the region’s topography makes it particularly vulnerable to flash floods, with water rushing down the hills instead of soaking into the ground. As communities come together to support one another, local organizations are gathering donations to aid in recovery efforts.
As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the disaster remains uncertain. Families hold onto hope for the safe return of their loved ones, even as the community grapples with the aftermath of this unparalleled tragedy.
