HUNT, TEXAS. The death toll from the catastrophic floods that swept through Central Texas over the July 4th holiday has climbed to 81, with rescue teams still searching for survivors and the missing as fresh rain threatens to complicate operations further.
The heart of the devastation remains Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Floodwaters surged overnight, catching hundreds off guard as intense rainfall—measured at over 12 inches per hour in some areas—caused the river to spike to record-breaking levels within hours. Trees were uprooted, vehicles overturned, and cabins swept away in the darkness.
Authorities confirmed that 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic are among the dead, while 10 campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. The heartbreaking loss has rattled families across Texas and the nation, many of whom had sent their children to the camp for the summer break.
“We are living a nightmare,” said Monica Reyes, whose 12-year-old daughter remains missing. “We trusted they’d be safe. We didn’t even get a warning.”
Despite ongoing rescue missions using helicopters, boats, and drones, efforts have been hampered by poor visibility, saturated terrain, and renewed flood warnings issued across Kerr and surrounding counties. Emergency crews have so far rescued more than 850 people, including families trapped on rooftops and trees.
A key point of concern has been the lack of a robust local warning system. Kerr County officials admitted that their applications for federal funding to upgrade emergency alert systems were denied multiple times in the past five years.
President Donald Trump has declared a major federal disaster, releasing aid and resources from FEMA. He is expected to visit the hardest-hit areas on Friday. His administration, however, faces criticism over budget cuts to the National Weather Service and delays in issuing flash flood alerts.
As families begin the painful process of identifying loved ones and salvaging what’s left, the community is rallying. Donation drives, church support groups, and volunteer rescue teams have flooded into the area, determined to help in any way possible.
Weather forecasts remain grim, with the National Weather Service warning of more storms throughout the week. Central Texans are being urged to avoid travel near creeks, rivers, and low-lying areas.
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What You Can Do:
• Donate to the Texas Flood Relief Fund
• Avoid non-essential drone usage in affected zones
• Follow updates from local emergency management and NWS Austin-San Antonio
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This story is developing. Stay with us for continued updates as more information becomes available
