More than a dozen people are dead and dozens remain missing in Central Texas after catastrophic flooding hit the Guadalupe River area, triggering an emergency evacuation at Camp Mystic, a well-known girls-only summer camp in Kerr County.
What happened at Camp Mystic?
Torrential rain fell overnight Thursday into Friday morning, dumping between 5 and 11 inches across the Kerrville area. The Guadalupe River rapidly overflowed, triggering a flash flood warning and forcing the emergency evacuation of Camp Mystic.
Officials confirmed that out of approximately 750 girls attending the camp, 23 remain unaccounted for. Acting Governor Dan Patrick shared the update during a Friday press conference.
Search and rescue efforts intensify
First responders launched dozens of swift-water rescues throughout Kerr County. Emergency crews are focusing their search around Camp Mystic, where floodwaters hit hardest.
“This may be a once-in-a-lifetime flood for the county,” said Kerr County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Clint Morris. He urged residents near the river to move to higher ground and avoid all travel west of Ingram.
Families await word on missing campers
Camp administrators sent emails to parents early Friday. The message confirmed that girls staying in Cypress Lake and Senior Hill areas were safe. Parents of missing campers received direct notifications.
One mother, speaking to local reporters, said her daughter Eloise Peck and fellow camper Lila Bonner had not been located by 5 p.m. Friday. “I still don’t know where she is,” she said.
Widespread flooding impacts region
- A home in San Angelo floated down a road after being swept away by the same storm system hours earlier.
- Flash flooding caused significant damage across Kerrville, home to 25,000 residents.
- All residents near the Guadalupe River face mandatory evacuation orders.
- Others have been asked to shelter in place and avoid roadways.
Texas officials deploy aid
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state deployed the National Guard, Department of Public Safety, and other resources. “The immediate priority is saving lives,” Abbott said.
Lt. Gov. Patrick urged residents to follow all local guidance.
Forecast calls for more rain
According to the Climate Prediction Center, Texas should expect above-normal rainfall into next week. Emergency officials warn that the region remains at risk for additional flooding as the storm system continues.
What happens next?
Search operations will continue into the weekend. Authorities advise families to remain in contact with local officials for updates on the missing girls.
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