The night turned deadly, swift and without warning, in Texas. Heavy rains unleashed a flash flood, ripping through a summer camp. At least thirteen people are now confirmed dead after the waters crashed through the area. Another twenty, mostly young girls, are still missing.
This disaster struck Camp Mystic, a well-known summer retreat for about 700 girls. It sits quietly along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, a part of Kerr County. But the river became a monstrous force. In just 45 minutes, its level shot up by an astounding 8 meters, which is roughly 26 feet. Tents and other camp buildings simply vanished, swept away by the sudden, violent surge.
Rescue teams are working non-stop, desperate to find survivors. Nine specialized units, alongside helicopters and ground crews, are searching every inch of the affected zone. Many families are frantically trying to contact their children. Some fear the worst, while others hope their kids are safe but just cut off from communication.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency for several affected areas. He promised all the state’s resources would be used for the rescue and aid efforts. The governor also warned that the number of deaths could increase in the coming hours.
According to CNN reports, the event unfolded quickly. The National Weather Service stated that over 25 centimeters, or 10 inches, of rain fell in only a few hours overnight. Experts described it as a “100-year flood,” a type of event that has only a one percent chance of happening in any given year.