A flash flood along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, killed 13 individuals and left over 20 children at Camp Mystic missing. The river rose almost 20 feet in 90 minutes due to severe rains, forcing emergency services to rescue campers and people.
Officials say the Guadalupe River swelled over 20 feet in 90 minutes overnight, killing at least 13 individuals and leaving more than 20 children unaccounted for in central Texas on July 4.
As frantic evacuations continue, Camp Mystic, a private ladies' summer camp along the river near Hunt, is among the hardest hit. Texas Game Wardens arrived Friday morning with trucks to evacuate youngsters from flooded campers, according to Facebook photos.
As helicopters, drones, and hundreds of rescuers search for 23 campers, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned that missing does not mean lost. CNN reported that camper mothers have not heard from their daughters, prompting an escalation of rescue operations.
The National Weather Service stated the Guadalupe River near Hunt reached its second-highest level ever, topping the 1987 flood. Over 6.5 inches of rain fell in three hours in Kerr County overnight, causing a 1-in-100-year flash flood emergency.
Kerr County residents experienced pandemonium and heartache on Independence Day. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said, “Despite flood warnings, there were some things that happened very fast.”
Sheriff Larry Leitha advised citizens to stay in place as rescue efforts continued, noting that many people were still missing. The Texas National Guard, the Coast Guard, FEMA, and others are providing assistance. President Donald Trump guaranteed Texas officials federal help, while Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz coordinated to offer local responders with resources.
Though the worst rains have stopped, light to heavy showers are forecast to linger through the evening in flood-stricken areas, putting rescue teams and civilians at risk.
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