A powerful storm triggered deadly flash floods in the Texas Hill Country early Friday, sending a wall of water through the Guadalupe River and sweeping away homes, vehicles, and a girls’ summer camp. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead and many others are still missing.The sudden flooding occurred before dawn on the Fourth of July holiday, catching many residents, campers, and local officials by surprise. Rescue efforts continued through Saturday with helicopters, drones, and hundreds of emergency personnel searching the area.
Camp Mystic destroyed, children missing
A Christian summer camp for girls, Camp Mystic, was completely destroyed when the river swelled suddenly. About 24 missing persons are believed to be children from the camp.“The camp was completely destroyed,” said 13-year-old Elinor Lester, a camper. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”Rescuers used ropes to guide children across a flooded bridge as waters whipped around their legs.
Flash flood hit before dawn
The river rose by 26 feet (8 metres) in just 45 minutes before daybreak on Friday. A nearby gauge recorded a 22-foot rise in two hours before it failed at 29.5 feet.“The water’s moving so fast, you’re not going to recognise how bad it is until it’s on top of you,” said Bob Fogarty of the National Weather Service.
Hundreds rescued, search continues
Texas officials confirmed that 240 people had been rescued so far, with 400 personnel on the ground helping in search-and-rescue efforts. Some people were pulled from trees and rooftops.Rescue teams were using helicopters and drones, with many families still posting photos and appeals on social media, searching for missing loved ones.
Terrified survivors recall narrow escapes
Erin Burgess in Ingram said her home filled with water within minutes. She and her son clung to a tree, while her boyfriend and dog floated away before being found later.“Thankfully he’s over 6 feet tall. That’s the only thing that saved me,” she said of her 19-year-old son.Barry Adelman said his family was forced into the attic of their three-storey house. “I was horrified,” he said. “I was having to look at my grandson in the face and tell him everything was going to be OK, but inside I was scared to death.”At a reunification centre in Ingram, families cried and cheered as evacuees arrived. A young girl in a Camp Mystic shirt sobbed in her mother’s arms.
No emergency alerts for many
Several residents said they received no flood warnings. Matthew Stone of Kerrville said: “We got no emergency alert. There was nothing. Then a pitch black wall of death.”Judge Rob Kelly, Kerr County’s top official, said, “We do not have a warning system.” He added, “Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.”
Rainfall exceeded forecasts
Officials said the storm dumped far more rain than predicted. Forecasts had suggested 3 to 6 inches of rain, but totals were far higher.“It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,” said Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Hill Country geography worsened flooding
The Texas Hill Country is known as “flash flood alley” due to its steep slopes and thin soil that doesn’t absorb rain.“When it rains, water doesn’t soak into the soil,” said Austin Dickson of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. “It rushes down the hill.”
