Kerr County, Texas, July 7 (V7N) – Authorities in central Texas remain in an urgent search and rescue operation following catastrophic flash floods that struck the region late Thursday into Friday, leaving at least 70 people dead and several others still unaccounted for, including 11 children and a camp counselor from a well-known girls’ summer camp.
 
The disaster unfolded after torrential storms dropped nearly six months’ worth of rainfall within hours, causing rivers to overflow rapidly across the Texas Hill Country. The Guadalupe River, which winds through Kerr County, surged over 26 feet in less than an hour, according to local officials.
 
Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County, the area most severely impacted, confirmed that 38 adults and 21 children have been found dead so far. Many of the victims were caught in the rising waters during the night, with some homes and campsites completely swept away.
 
Still missing are 11 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls camp situated along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Camp officials said the group was participating in regular evening activities when the floodwaters struck with little warning. Emergency responders and volunteers have been working around the clock to locate any potential survivors, but conditions remain hazardous.
 
The U.S. National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood and severe weather warnings throughout the region, and forecasters continue to caution that additional heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, which could further complicate recovery efforts and increase the risk of secondary flooding and landslides.
 
Local authorities have deployed helicopters, boats, and drones to assist with search efforts, while temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents. Texas Governor’s Office confirmed the mobilization of National Guard units and additional emergency response resources to aid in rescue and recovery operations.
 
Officials emphasized the historical severity of the event. “This is unlike anything we've seen in recent memory. The speed and intensity of the flooding caught everyone off guard,” Sheriff Leitha stated during a press briefing Sunday afternoon.
 
Families of those missing have gathered near the camp and surrounding communities, holding vigils and praying for good news as rescue teams scour debris fields and swollen riverbanks. Community members have also begun organizing relief donations, including food, clothing, and supplies for affected families.
 
This tragedy has raised new questions about climate resilience and early warning infrastructure in Texas’ flood-prone areas. Experts say that extreme weather events, particularly in the form of flash flooding, are becoming more frequent due to climate change, and urge both federal and state governments to expand investment in disaster preparedness.
 
As of Sunday evening, the names of the missing have not been officially released. Authorities are urging anyone with information about possible survivors to contact local emergency lines immediately.
 
Search operations will continue through the night under difficult weather conditions, with hopes that survivors may still be found.
 
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