A devastating flood event in Central Texas has left at least 45 people dead and dozens more missing after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to swell to catastrophic levels overnight Thursday.
The rapidly rising waters, which surged an unprecedented 26 feet in just 45 minutes, completely submerged campgrounds and cabins in Kerr County, a popular recreational area about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio.
The hardest-hit location was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp hosting 750 young girls and staff members. Survivors described waking to find water rising at terrifying speeds, with the force of the floodwaters shattering cabin windows and leaving a trail of destruction.
Rescue teams arriving at the scene found personal belongings like stuffed animals and bedding encased in thick layers of mud, grim markers of where children had been sleeping just hours before.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster, mobilizing federal resources as the death toll continues to climb. “This is one of the most severe flooding events we’ve seen in this region,” Abbott stated during a press conference, noting that the combination of ongoing rainfall and massive debris fields has complicated rescue efforts.
About 20 helicopters are currently involved in search operations, with crews working around the clock to locate survivors in the devastated landscape.
The tragedy has highlighted the increasing dangers of climate change-fueled weather events in the region known as “Flash Flood Alley.” Meteorologists reported that some areas received nearly a year’s worth of rainfall in just 12 hours, overwhelming the terrain’s ability to absorb water.
Local officials have pleaded with private citizens to avoid using drones in the area, as the unauthorized aircraft are interfering with critical search-and-rescue operations.
As recovery efforts continue, community members have begun gathering at local churches and schools to mourn the lost and support grieving families.
The Red Cross has established emergency shelters for displaced residents, while mental health counselors have been deployed to help survivors process the trauma. With more rain in the forecast and many still unaccounted for, authorities warn the full scale of the disaster may not be known for days.
