KERRVILLE, Texas — Panic spread among families as over 20 girls from a summer camp remained unaccounted for following devastating floods that swept through Texas Hill Country after a night of intense rainfall. Authorities reported at least 13 fatalities and many individuals missing as the floodwaters rose rapidly, catching residents and campers off guard.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that approximately 23 campers attending Camp Mystic, a Christian camp along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, could not be located by Friday afternoon. Emergency workers, including search and rescue teams utilizing helicopters and boats, have been inundated with calls for help as they race against time to find those affected by the flooding.
Texas Game Wardens reported they had reached Camp Mystic earlier in the day and were in the process of evacuating campers. However, updates on the status of the missing girls were still pending.
Family members of the campers shared their anguish on social media, recounting how safety officials reached out with distressing news about their daughters. Many were left anxiously waiting for updates about their children’s safety and potential evacuations by helicopter. According to Patrick, the search effort includes nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones.
In an email to parents, Camp Mystic reassured them that if they had not received direct communication, their children were accounted for. The camp reported that there were approximately 750 campers participating this summer.
Many families gathered at an elementary school in Ingram, designated as a reunification center. Among them, a young girl wearing a Camp Mystic T-shirt cried as she awaited the arrival of loved ones from the flooded campgrounds. The atmosphere was filled with anxiety and hope as parents clamored for news about their children.
Locals described Camp Mystic’s location as being in a notoriously flood-prone area. Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, explained that the land’s topography causes water to rush down the hills rather than soak into the ground, exacerbating flooding during heavy rains. Historical accounts mention significant past flooding, including a tragic incident in 1987 when ten campers from another Christian camp drowned.
The floodwaters have left Camp Mystic without power, internet, or running water, compounding the challenges faced by campers and staff sheltering on higher ground until rescue efforts can be fully mobilized. Camp Waldemar and Camp La Junta, two other nearby camps, announced via social media that all of their campers and staff were safe.
For many, Camp Mystic holds cherished memories of growth and friendship. Chloe Crane, a former counselor and teacher, expressed heartbreak over the situation. She recalled how the camp has always been a safe haven for young girls looking to build confidence and independence. The stark contrast between joyful memories and the current crisis cast a long shadow over the tight-knit community, as hopes for the missing girls lingered among the chaos.
The initial wave of rescue efforts faces ongoing challenges due to the conditions at the camp. Reports indicate that several cabins were swept away in the flood, tragically turning a beloved summer retreat into a site of despair. The coming days will be critical as families await confirmation about their loved ones’ safety amidst an unfolding tragedy.