Tragedy in Texas: 27 Dead and Dozens of Girls Missing After Devastating Flash Flood Catastrophe

A catastrophic flash flood swept through central Texas early Friday morning, leaving at least 27 people dead and triggering a desperate search for nearly two dozen missing girls from a summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

The disaster struck just before dawn, when torrential rains caused the river to surge 26 feet in under an hour, inundating homes, sweeping away vehicles, and devastating Camp Mystic—a Christian girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas.

Authorities confirmed that between 23 and 25 girls remain unaccounted for. The camp, established in 1926 and known for its scenic riverside cabins and generational legacy, was completely destroyed by the floodwaters.

“A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary,”

said 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester, who was evacuated with her cabinmates by helicopter.

Rescue operations have been intense, with over 240 people saved, including 167 by helicopter. Emergency crews used ropes to guide children across flooded bridges, while helicopters, boats, and drones scoured the area for survivors.

Despite warnings issued by AccuWeather and the National Weather Service hours before the storm, officials said they were unprepared for the sheer volume of rainfall, which amounted to **months’ worth in a single night**.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged residents to pray:

“On-your-knees kind of praying that we find these young girls”.

The tragedy unfolded during Fourth of July celebrations, catching many off guard in the popular camping region northwest of San Antonio. Social media has since flooded with pleas from frantic parents seeking news of their children.

As heavy rains continue and flash flood warnings remain in effect, the search for survivors presses on. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of the death toll rising further.