The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July 4 weekend has risen to over 100, including 28 children, as search crews continue to navigate swollen rivers and debris in search of the missing. Authorities have warned that the number is expected to rise, with more rain forecasted for the already saturated region.
Operators of Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls Christian summer camp in the Texas Hill Country, announced that they lost 27 campers and counselors to the floodwaters. Kerr County officials reported that 10 campers and one counselor are still missing. Searchers have recovered the bodies of 84 people in the county, which is home to Camp Mystic and several other summer camps.
Questions about evacuation protocols and warning systems have been raised, but authorities noted that these will be addressed after search and rescue efforts are complete. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice acknowledged the challenges, stating that many camps and cabins are located in areas with poor cellphone service. “We definitely want to dive in and look at all those things,” he said. “We’re looking forward to doing that once we can get the search and rescue complete.”
The National Weather Service had issued warnings of potential flooding starting Thursday, followed by a series of flash flood warnings and emergencies in the early hours of Friday. Despite these alerts, some residents reported not receiving any warnings. Authorities and elected officials have said they did not anticipate such an intense downpour—the equivalent of several months’ worth of rain in a short period.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, stated on Sunday that he plans to visit the state on Friday. He dismissed criticism that past budget cuts to national weather services contributed to the disaster. “I would just say this is a 100-year catastrophe, and it’s just so horrible to watch,” President Trump told reporters. “This was a thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it.”
As search and rescue operations continue, communities are banding together to support those affected by the floods. Volunteers and local organizations are providing aid to displaced residents, while officials urge everyone to stay vigilant with more rain in the forecast. The tragedy highlights the importance of effective warning systems and disaster preparedness to protect communities from sudden natural disasters.
