Kerrville, Texas — Devastating flash floods in central Texas have resulted in at least 70 confirmed fatalities, including 21 children, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors. The heavy rains caused significant flooding along the Guadalupe River, particularly affecting the area where Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, is located. Authorities are still looking for a group of 11 missing campers and a counselor who were at the camp at the time of the disaster.
Rescue efforts have mobilized over 1,000 responders across Kerr County, which has experienced some of the most severe flooding. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that more than 850 people have been rescued so far. As the situation unfolds, Kerrville City Manager Rice Dalton reported that recovery operations are focusing on locating the missing campers, amidst a grim search for additional victims.
In response to the catastrophe, President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for Kerr County, while Abbott has called for a statewide “day of prayer.” Amid the tragedy, questions have emerged regarding the adequacy of warning systems and preparedness for such an unexpected weather event. W. Nim Kidd, director of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, pointed to the National Weather Service (NWS) for failing to accurately predict the extensive rainfall that led to the flooding.
The NWS issued alerts in advance, including a flash flood watch on Thursday, but uncertainty remains about the timing and effectiveness of these warnings. Dalton, when asked why the camps were not evacuated sooner, acknowledged the issue but did not have immediate answers, emphasizing the focus on recovery efforts.
Authorities have confirmed that the death toll includes several individuals found in vehicles submerged by floodwaters in surrounding counties. Reports indicate fatalities in Tom Green, Williamson, Burnet, and Travis Counties, highlighting the widespread impact of the flooding that affected numerous areas.
As the rain continues to impact central Texas, additional flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of Bosque, Hill, Johnson, and Somervell Counties. Concerns over potential further flooding underscore the precarious situation as communities grapple with the aftermath.
Calls for accountability regarding the NWS’s readiness have been echoed by those affected, with suggestions that recent staffing cuts may have hampered timely alerts. NWS representatives defended their staffing and resources, though they acknowledged some gaps in operational roles. The ongoing response raises critical questions about federal preparedness for extreme weather events, particularly in a state accustomed to severe storms and flooding.
Trump characterized the reported deaths as “shocking” and pledged support for recovery efforts, emphasizing that responses should primarily come from local officials who understand the community best. His administration’s recent initiatives aim to reassess and improve emergency response protocols.
As communities begin to recover, the focus remains on finding the missing and providing support to those affected by the floods. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that the Atlantic hurricane season could bring additional challenges, potentially leading to further weather-related emergencies in the region this year.