Key Facts About the Deadly Texas Floods

Overview of the Tragic Floods in Texas

More than 120 people were confirmed dead and 160 others remained missing following severe flooding caused by torrential rain over the Fourth of July weekend. The devastation hit a girls' camp along the Guadalupe River in Texas, leaving many families in grief and search for their loved ones. Camp Mystic, which reported the loss of 27 campers and counselors, is mourning the tragic incident. The camp’s longtime director, Dick Eastland, was also among those feared missing.

Authorities have been conducting extensive search-and-recovery operations using drones, divers, dogs, and helicopters to locate survivors. Parents of the missing children have turned to social media to share photos and seek help in finding their loved ones. Despite the efforts, the situation remains dire as the ground is already heavily saturated from previous rainfall.

Where Did the Flooding Occur?

The flooding occurred in parts of Central Texas, specifically in the Hill Country region. Kerr County, which includes the cities of Kerrville and Ingram, was the hardest-hit area. In some locations, up to 18 inches of rain fell within three hours. This heavy rainfall drained into the Guadalupe River, a nearly 250-mile-long river that flows from Kerr County to San Antonio Bay in the Gulf.

Causes of the Extreme Flooding

The extreme flooding resulted from torrential rains on Thursday and Friday, which caused creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River to swell rapidly. The water level rose more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The region's steep terrain and shallow soil contributed to the quick rise in water levels, as the ground could not absorb much of the rainfall once the storm developed.

Texas is known for having the highest number of flood-related deaths in the United States. The area between Dallas and San Antonio, referred to as Flash Flood Alley, is particularly vulnerable to extreme flooding events.

About Camp Mystic

Camp Mystic, located in Hunt, Texas, is a Christian girls’ camp that attracts affluent families from Houston, Dallas, and other states. Notable alumni include the daughters and granddaughters of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who hailed from Texas. The camp is situated along the Guadalupe River, approximately 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. While several other camps line the riverbank, only Camp Mystic reported missing individuals.

The camp offers various activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, and learning how to write thank-you notes. Its motto is: “Be ye kind, one to another.” As of Tuesday, five campers and one counselor were still unaccounted for.

Current Status of Search-and-Recovery Efforts

Search teams from across the U.S. are working through muddied water and debris to locate bodies and possible survivors. However, additional rain has complicated their efforts. According to Kerrville Police Department Community Services Officer Jonathan Lamb, the last person rescued alive was found on Friday.

Were People Warned About the Floods?

The first warning about potential flash floods came from the National Weather Service’s San Antonio office at 1:18 p.m. on Thursday. More urgent warnings followed overnight while many residents were asleep. Questions remain about whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

Kerr County does not have outdoor sirens to alert people of floods or other natural disasters, unlike some other flood-prone areas in Texas. The county has debated installing them for years, but lack of state and federal funding has delayed progress.

Historical Context of Flooding in the Area

The Guadalupe River has experienced flooding before. On July 16, 1987, a series of thunderstorms led to flooding that affected towns like Kerrville, Ingram, and Comfort. Ten teenagers attending a church camp died in that event.

Survivors’ Accounts

Survivors described harrowing experiences, including walls being torn off homes, mattresses getting stuck on trees, and cabins slamming into rocks. Some were rescued by authorities or plucked from trees. Stephen Blevins of Kerrville recounted how he evacuated his home early Friday after a police officer knocked on his door. He was shocked to see the river now lapping at his door just 100 yards away.

RJ Harber, a Dallas lawyer, shared his story of trying to save his parents and two daughters with a kayak, but strong currents prevented him from reaching them. His daughters, aged 11 and 13, and his father were later found, while his mother remained missing.

Relief Efforts and Resources

Several organizations are working to support those affected by the flooding. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is accepting donations for rescue, relief, and recovery. Texas Search and Rescue has deployed teams to the area and is seeking support. World Central Kitchen is providing meals and clean water, while GoFundMe has compiled verified fundraisers for victims.