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State authorities said in a news conference on Friday, July 4, that the Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose a whopping 26 feet in 45 minutes while many were asleep, and confirmed that 23 children are missing.
Ongoing heavy rain has already dumped up to 12 inches across the hilly region, triggering a flash flood emergency in Kerrville, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio.
The National Weather Service described the flooding as catastrophic.
Bridges, roadways, and homes have been washed away, and multiple vehicles were swept into rising rivers. A large outdoor stage set for Fourth of July festivities was also destroyed.
One of the worst-hit sites is Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for girls, where 23 of its 750 campers remain unaccounted for. Most of the campers were evacuated by helicopter.
In a letter to parents, the camp stated: “If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified. If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter is accounted for.”
“The state of Texas is surging all available resources to respond to the devastating flooding around the Kerr County area," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a social media post. "That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety. The immediate priority is saving lives."
Authorities are urging residents near waterways to evacuate immediately. More rain is expected through the evening, and search operations are continuing.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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