Flash floods that struck central Texas on Friday have claimed the lives of at least 81 people, with 41 others still missing, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters the state has seen in recent years.

The worst-hit area is Kerr County, where 68 deaths have been recorded, including 28 children, after a sudden rise in the Guadalupe River devastated Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian summer camp for girls.

The flooding struck before dawn while most campers were still asleep. The Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, submerging the riverside camp. Among the dead are several young campers and the camp's longtime director, Richard "Dick" Eastland.

Ten girls and one counselor from the camp are still unaccounted for.

“It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who visited the area on Saturday.

Counties affected and the rising death toll

Aside from Kerr County, the floods have caused confirmed deaths in:

Travis County – 5 deaths

Burnet County – 3 deaths

Williamson County – 2 deaths

Kendall County – 2 deaths

Tom Green County – 1 death

Rescue teams are still searching for the missing, and officials warn that the number of deaths is likely to rise.

According to officials, 18 adults and 10 children recovered in Kerr County have yet to be formally identified.

The search-and-rescue mission has become one of the largest in Texas history but is slowly turning into a recovery operation. Rescuers are battling mud, fallen trees, debris, and even venomous snakes as they continue looking for survivors.

Greg Froelick, a former Navy SEAL and volunteer with the rescue group 300 Justice, said he’s seen items from the camp “scattered everywhere, up and down the river.” Victims have reportedly been found up to eight miles downstream from Camp Mystic.

The damage isn’t limited to the camp. Homes along a two-lane road near the river are now surrounded by debris. Fallen trees, broken fences, scattered furniture, and downed utility lines line the road connecting Kerrville to Camp Mystic.

With more rain expected in the next 24 to 48 hours, rescue operations may face further delays.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, allowing FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to step in. He also said he may visit Texas on Friday.

“We’re working very closely with representatives from Texas, and it’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible,” Trump said from New Jersey.

As officials continue the search, local residents have begun supporting relief efforts in any way they can.

Alma Garcia, who drove in from San Antonio, brought home-cooked meals for survivors and volunteers. She even gave away her T-shirt to help someone in need. “She was all wet, I told her she’s going to need it,” she told the BBC.

Another resident, Perla, began collecting clothes and shoes right after her shift at Walmart on Friday and delivered them to a nearby shelter the next morning. “I’ve never seen something like this before,” she said.

Support and prayers have also poured in globally. On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV addressed the tragedy during a service in Rome:

“I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States,” the Pope said.

“We pray for them.”

This flood has left behind unimaginable loss and destruction, especially for families of young children who had gone to Camp Mystic expecting a summer of joy.



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