Heartbreak in Texas as Deadly Flooding Claims 27 Lives and Sparks Urgent Search for Missing Camp Girls

Kerr County, Texas is reeling from one of the deadliest natural disasters the region has faced in recent memory. Torrential rains have unleashed devastating floods across central Texas, leaving at least 27 people dead, including nine children, and prompting a desperate search for over 20 missing girls from a summer camp near the swollen Guadalupe River.

As rescue operations continue in full force, Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha assured the public that every available resource is being deployed. “We will not stop until every single person is found,” he vowed during a press briefing. “This tragedy has touched every corner of our community, but we remain strong and united in the face of heartbreak.”

The floods, triggered by days of relentless rain, have forced evacuations and rescues of more than 850 residents, including eight who suffered injuries. The sheriff emphasized that these numbers could rise as the situation remains dynamic. “We can’t release further details on those who have passed, but our prayers are with their loved ones,” he said. Residents have been urged to report missing individuals through a dedicated regional call center or contact relief teams via email.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Hunt, Texas, a small town deeply intertwined with its seasonal summer camps and cherished local landmarks. One of those landmarks, Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall, was preparing to celebrate its 100th Fourth of July anniversary with a community rodeo, dance, and barbecue. Now, the celebration site lies in ruins.

Local resident Jerry Adams, his voice cracking with emotion, described the scene with a heavy heart. “Crider’s and the camps were the lifeblood of this community. It’s just… gone. It will take time, effort, and a lot of prayer to bring any of it back,” he said, reflecting on the deep loss that the town of Hunt now faces.

At the center of the ongoing search are over 20 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp nestled near the Guadalupe River. As of Friday night, these young campers remained unaccounted for, raising deep concern among families and community members. Authorities confirmed that while everyone from roughly 18 other camps along the river had been located safely, the status of the girls at Camp Mystic remains uncertain.

Kerrville, a nearby city with a population of approximately 25,000, has been equally shaken by the events. City councilmember Jeff Harris described it as a “tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone.” He appealed to people across the country for their prayers. “When something like this happens, it hurts all of us. We just need prayer right now. That’s the best help anyone can give.”

National leaders have also extended their sympathies. Vice President JD Vance expressed sorrow for the lives lost and the families impacted. “Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy,” he shared in a heartfelt message on social media. Former First Lady Melania Trump also reached out, offering comfort to grieving parents and families. “I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience,” she wrote.

The Guadalupe River, which winds through the region and plays a central role in its outdoor culture, surged to its second-highest recorded level, according to the National Weather Service. Its rising waters have submerged roads, overwhelmed homes, and cut off entire communities.

Even as emergency responders work around the clock, the sense of loss is palpable. Many families are still holding onto hope that their loved ones will be found. Volunteers, churches, and neighbors have stepped up to assist however they can, reflecting the resilience and unity that define the heart of central Texas.

As floodwaters slowly begin to recede, the road to recovery for Kerr County and its surrounding towns will be long and filled with emotional scars. But amid the sorrow, there remains an unyielding spirit of hope — a determination to honor those lost, support the survivors, and rebuild a community forever changed.