Flood disaster worsens as dozens remain missing—nation watches recovery efforts unfold
- Replies 0
A devastating event continues to unfold in one region as waters rise and families search for loved ones.
In the aftermath, lives have been lost, stories of survival have surfaced, and the search is still far from over.
Many families are facing the unthinkable as they await word on children and community members still unaccounted for.
Even with emergency help underway, the scale of the damage continues to deepen by the hour.
Donald Trump has signed a Major Disaster Declaration following what he called an “unimaginable tragedy” that left 82 people dead in a widespread flooding event.
Among those still missing are 10 girls and one counselor from a well-known Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic in Kerr County.
According to Sheriff Larry Leitha, the bodies of 68 individuals, including 28 children, have been recovered in the area.
He said officials will not stop searching until every person is found. Flash flooding triggered by extreme rainfall has left destruction across multiple counties.
Deaths have also been confirmed in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties, bringing the current death toll to 82.
Governor Greg Abbott said that 41 people remain missing, but warned that the number could rise further.
Images from the damaged summer camp show waterlogged mattresses and toys scattered through the wreckage.
Heavy equipment and trucks were seen swept away, offering a stark view of the flooding's strength. More than 850 people have been rescued within 36 hours, according to officials.
“We still have people coming here looking for their loved ones. We've had a little success, but not much,” said Bobby Templeton, superintendent of the Ingram Independent School District.
The Guadalupe River swelled by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, submerging key parts of Kerr County. Flash flood warnings remain active as rain continues to fall, threatening communities outside San Antonio.
Also read: How at-risk is your area? New 2025 data highlights earthquake vulnerability across the US
About a third of a year's worth of rain fell in just hours, overwhelming rivers and streams.
Dalton Rice, city manager of Kerrville, said, “We've been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds. There's a lot of folks that are shelter in place, so we leave them in place to make sure that we get them food, water.”
The confirmed death toll could continue to rise in the coming days. Parents of the missing children have been notified, with many turning to online platforms to share emotional pleas.
President Donald Trump confirmed the Major Disaster Declaration on his official channel.
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” Trump said.
He added the declaration would “ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need.”
Local reports suggest that up to six girls have been confirmed dead by their families.
In Travis County, four additional deaths were confirmed and 13 people are still missing, according to Hector Nieto, Director of Public Information.
Officials stated the number of people missing remains uncertain. Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, said crews are searching via air, land, and water along the Guadalupe River.
“We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found,” he said.
Governor Greg Abbott expanded the state's disaster declaration and has requested more federal assistance.
Also read: Scare in the sky: How a regular American Airlines flight became a fighter jet-escorted emergency
Several heartbreaking stories have emerged from the tragedy. A 22-year-old woman was found clinging to a tree after being swept 20 miles downstream.
The woman was taken by floodwaters at 4 AM and discovered by a local resident at around 8 AM.
The resident, Carl, heard screams near Lion’s Park Dam and saw her stranded in a large cypress tree. Because emergency services could not be reached, Carl flagged down a passing police vehicle.
Two rescue boats navigated dangerous currents to reach her. By then, water had receded, and she was stranded 12 feet above the surface.
She dropped into the rescue boat and was safely brought back to land. Meanwhile, the names of some of the deceased children have been confirmed by their families.
Janie Hunt, age 9, was one of the victims, her mother told CNN.
A family member of Renee Smajstrla, also 9, confirmed her death and said, “We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday.”
The family of Lila Bonner released a statement, saying, “In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly.”
Lila Bonner and her best friend Eloise Peck, 8, shared a cabin and were both confirmed dead.
“Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals,” said her mother, Missy Peck.
“She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died. Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us. Especially her Mommy.”
Another child, Sarah Marsh from Mountain Brook, Alabama, has also been confirmed dead.
Stewart Welch, Mayor of Mountain Brook, stated: “This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school and our entire community.”
He added, “Sarah’s passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew her and loved her.”
Dick Eastland, Camp Mystic’s owner and director, was also among the deceased.
Two brothers, Piers and Ruffin Boyett, recounted their survival from another camp nearby. “The flood started getting bigger,” said Piers.
“We had bunk beds in our cabins and [the water] was going up to the top bunk and we had one choice—and we had to swim out of our cabin”
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with responders working through hazardous terrain and unpredictable weather.
Officials continue urging residents to remain alert as the threat of more flooding lingers.
Read next: The safest place in America? Find out which US state is practically disaster-proof (and which ones are danger zones!)
Have you or someone you love ever experienced a natural disaster like this? Let the community know your thoughts and send words of support in the comments below.
In the aftermath, lives have been lost, stories of survival have surfaced, and the search is still far from over.
Many families are facing the unthinkable as they await word on children and community members still unaccounted for.
Even with emergency help underway, the scale of the damage continues to deepen by the hour.
Donald Trump has signed a Major Disaster Declaration following what he called an “unimaginable tragedy” that left 82 people dead in a widespread flooding event.
Among those still missing are 10 girls and one counselor from a well-known Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic in Kerr County.
According to Sheriff Larry Leitha, the bodies of 68 individuals, including 28 children, have been recovered in the area.
He said officials will not stop searching until every person is found. Flash flooding triggered by extreme rainfall has left destruction across multiple counties.
The flood in Camp Mystic devastated a lot of civilians, including children, and even the owner. Image Source: Facebook
Deaths have also been confirmed in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties, bringing the current death toll to 82.
Governor Greg Abbott said that 41 people remain missing, but warned that the number could rise further.
Images from the damaged summer camp show waterlogged mattresses and toys scattered through the wreckage.
Heavy equipment and trucks were seen swept away, offering a stark view of the flooding's strength. More than 850 people have been rescued within 36 hours, according to officials.
“We still have people coming here looking for their loved ones. We've had a little success, but not much,” said Bobby Templeton, superintendent of the Ingram Independent School District.
The Guadalupe River swelled by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, submerging key parts of Kerr County. Flash flood warnings remain active as rain continues to fall, threatening communities outside San Antonio.
Also read: How at-risk is your area? New 2025 data highlights earthquake vulnerability across the US
About a third of a year's worth of rain fell in just hours, overwhelming rivers and streams.
Dalton Rice, city manager of Kerrville, said, “We've been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds. There's a lot of folks that are shelter in place, so we leave them in place to make sure that we get them food, water.”
The confirmed death toll could continue to rise in the coming days. Parents of the missing children have been notified, with many turning to online platforms to share emotional pleas.
President Donald Trump confirmed the Major Disaster Declaration on his official channel.
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” Trump said.
He added the declaration would “ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need.”
Local reports suggest that up to six girls have been confirmed dead by their families.
In Travis County, four additional deaths were confirmed and 13 people are still missing, according to Hector Nieto, Director of Public Information.
Officials stated the number of people missing remains uncertain. Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, said crews are searching via air, land, and water along the Guadalupe River.
“We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found,” he said.
Governor Greg Abbott expanded the state's disaster declaration and has requested more federal assistance.
Also read: Scare in the sky: How a regular American Airlines flight became a fighter jet-escorted emergency
Several heartbreaking stories have emerged from the tragedy. A 22-year-old woman was found clinging to a tree after being swept 20 miles downstream.
The woman was taken by floodwaters at 4 AM and discovered by a local resident at around 8 AM.
The resident, Carl, heard screams near Lion’s Park Dam and saw her stranded in a large cypress tree. Because emergency services could not be reached, Carl flagged down a passing police vehicle.
Two rescue boats navigated dangerous currents to reach her. By then, water had receded, and she was stranded 12 feet above the surface.
She dropped into the rescue boat and was safely brought back to land. Meanwhile, the names of some of the deceased children have been confirmed by their families.
Janie Hunt, age 9, was one of the victims, her mother told CNN.
A family member of Renee Smajstrla, also 9, confirmed her death and said, “We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday.”
The family of Lila Bonner released a statement, saying, “In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly.”
Lila Bonner and her best friend Eloise Peck, 8, shared a cabin and were both confirmed dead.
Lila Bonner is on the left, and Eloise Peck is on the right—this is them before the disaster. Image Source: Facebook
“Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti but not more than she loved dogs and animals,” said her mother, Missy Peck.
“She passed away with her cabinmate and best friend Lila Bonner who also died. Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us. Especially her Mommy.”
Another child, Sarah Marsh from Mountain Brook, Alabama, has also been confirmed dead.
Stewart Welch, Mayor of Mountain Brook, stated: “This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school and our entire community.”
He added, “Sarah’s passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew her and loved her.”
Dick Eastland, Camp Mystic’s owner and director, was also among the deceased.
Two brothers, Piers and Ruffin Boyett, recounted their survival from another camp nearby. “The flood started getting bigger,” said Piers.
“We had bunk beds in our cabins and [the water] was going up to the top bunk and we had one choice—and we had to swim out of our cabin”
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with responders working through hazardous terrain and unpredictable weather.
Officials continue urging residents to remain alert as the threat of more flooding lingers.
Read next: The safest place in America? Find out which US state is practically disaster-proof (and which ones are danger zones!)
