At least 89 people have been confirmed dead in the aftermath of devastating Texas floods, with 27 of the victims being students and staff from Camp Mystic.
Camp Mystic is said to be a Christian girls’ summer camp located along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Local authorities report 75 deaths in Kerr County alone, with at least 41 people still missing, including several campers and a counselor, according to associated press.
The tragic Texas floods unfolded on July 4 when a torrential downpour caused the Guadalupe River to rise by more than 26 feet in under an hour, sweeping through cabins and surrounding areas without warning. The fast-moving waters destroyed large parts of the campground, trapping dozens in their bunks and cutting off escape routes.
President Donald J. Trump responded to the crisis during a press briefing on Sunday evening, calling the disaster “a heartbreaking national tragedy.”
“Melania and I are praying for the families who have lost loved ones, especially the young girls at Camp Mystic. We are coordinating full federal assistance. No effort will be spared in rescue, recovery, and rebuilding,” Trump said from the White House.
The President also signed an emergency federal disaster declaration, unlocking federal resources and activating FEMA support across the affected region.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed ongoing search-and-rescue efforts involving more than 400 emergency personnel, including the National Guard, Coast Guard, and FEMA teams.
“We will not stop until every missing child and adult is accounted for,” Abbott said at a news conference, reacting to the Texas floods.
According to reports, authorities confirmed that 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for as of Monday morning. Emotional stories have begun to emerge, including that of Blair and Brooke Harber, sisters found holding hands downstream, 15 miles from their cabin.
Criticism is also mounting over possible lapses in early warning systems as residents and survivors reported receiving no immediate alerts, raising questions about preparedness and communication breakdowns. Federal agencies have pledged to investigate and assess what went wrong.
