Rescuers Continue Search for Over 20 Missing Children as Texas Flooding Death Toll Reaches 43
Severe flooding in central Texas has left at least 43 people dead and more than 20 girls missing from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, which is situated near the Guadalupe River. The river rose more than 20 feet in less than two hours on Friday, July 4, 2025, following torrential rain. Although the situation remains dire, authorities have stressed that the missing children are not necessarily lost.
Details on the Flooding and Rescue Efforts
On Friday, rescue teams worked through the night to evacuate and save victims of the flash floods. As of Friday night, approximately 237 people had been rescued or evacuated, many via helicopter. A once-in-a-century rain event triggered the flooding, causing parts of central Texas to receive up to a month’s worth of rainfall in a matter of hours. The town of Hunt, near Kerrville, saw around 6.5 inches of rain in just three hours, causing widespread devastation.
The Impact on Camp Mystic
Among those confirmed dead was 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla, who had been attending Camp Mystic when the floodwaters engulfed the area. The camp, known for hosting young girls, is located near the Guadalupe River, where the floods caused significant damage. Authorities have emphasized that the search for the missing girls at the camp remains ongoing.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the catastrophic conditions, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has urged caution. He stressed that searchers have not definitively lost the missing individuals from Camp Mystic. They still actively search for them. Local authorities continue to coordinate efforts with state and federal teams, with many families waiting at reunification centers for news about their loved ones.
The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather events, prompting concerns about emergency preparedness and the need for robust disaster response systems.
Rescue teams expect to continue operations into the weekend as the full extent of the damage and casualties continues to emerge.
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