At least 24 dea.d and more than 20 children missing after US summer camp is swept away by extreme floods

Tragedy struck Texas on July 4 as flash floods claimed at least 24 lives and left over 20 children missing. The floods hit the Kerrville area, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in under an hour, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins.

The missing children were attending Camp Mystic, a long-established girls’ summer camp founded in 1926. The camp, which promotes confidence and independence, is now without power, water, or internet access following the floods.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stated that while many children are unaccounted for, they may not be lost but simply out of communication due to the damaged infrastructure.

Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice explained the sudden surge was due to a heavy, unexpected downpour over the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River, which rapidly merged and flooded the area.

The river’s south fork rose from seven to 29 feet within minutes. This unprecedented rise overwhelmed the region, catching many off guard during the holiday celebrations.

Over 100 state troopers have been deployed for rescue operations, along with helicopters, boats, rescue divers, and high-water vehicles, according to Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Governor Greg Abbott pledged full support, promising that every possible resource would be used for rescue and recovery. Former President Donald Trump also commented, calling the floods a “terrible thing” and offering federal support to assist Texas in the aftermath.