Tragedy Strikes Hill Country: Floods Claim 13 Lives and Leave 20 Children Missing

At least 13 people have died, and many more are missing, including over 20 children from local summer camps, due to severe flooding along the Guadalupe River. Kerr County faced significant devastation after heavy rains overwhelmed the area.

Sheriff Larry Leitha Jr. confirmed the grim discovery of 13 bodies and mentioned that the death toll might rise. Emergency teams are aggressively searching for those swept away by the floodwaters after torrential rain hit the Hill Country.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reported that around 23 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, are still unaccounted for. He expressed hope for their safe return as search efforts continue.

The flooding is particularly alarming; more than 12 inches of rain fell in just 12 hours. This caused the Guadalupe River to reach its second-highest level ever recorded, leading to a flash flood emergency in South-Central Kerr County, affecting areas like Hunt, Center Point, Kerrville, and Comfort.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly described the flooding as “devastating and deadly,” urging locals near the river to evacuate immediately. Governor Greg Abbott assured that the state is deploying all necessary resources, including rescue teams and helicopters, to assist in recovery efforts.

The current situation recalls a tragic incident from July 1987 when similar flooding resulted in the deaths of 10 teenagers at a camp near Comfort. Officials are now working to avoid history repeating itself as they conduct rescues.

With tensions high, many residents are sharing their experiences on social media. People are rallying for help, showing the community’s resilience.

Local businesses have also stepped in, providing shelter and food for those displaced. A couple, Tony and Hope Bernal, who evacuated from Comfort, have faced floods before and were proactive in preparing for the worst.

As the search and rescue operations continue, hope remains. Families are waiting for news about loved ones and working together to support one another during this crisis. The community’s response is a testament to human spirit and solidarity in times of hardship.

For further updates, you can follow resources like the Texas Division of Emergency Management, which are closely monitoring the situation.



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