Disaster struck Texas Hill Country with little warning over the Fourth of July weekend, after days of torrential rain pushed the Guadalupe River to historic levels. Emergency crews said the river rose more than 25 feet in less than an hour, enough to overtake low-lying buildings, tear through bridges, and lift vehicles into the current.

Among the hardest-hit sites was Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp in operation since 1926. Roughly 750 campers and staff were staying at the property when floodwaters surged through the riverbank cabins overnight.

Kerr County officials confirmed that some children were rescued by boat crews in the dark, while others climbed to rooftops or trees to await help. As of Monday morning, at least a dozen campers and staff members remained unaccounted for, while several victims have been identified as girls under the age of ten.

Local authorities and volunteers are continuing to work around the clock to search through wreckage, using drones, boats, and search dogs to comb miles of riverfront.

Officials have faced mounting criticism over a lack of county-wide alert systems and delayed evacuation notices. Although flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, many residents said they did not hear sirens or receive automated alerts in time to get to higher ground. The debate has intensified calls for improvements to emergency preparedness in the rapidly growing Hill Country region.

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in affected counties and pledged state and federal resources to help search efforts and recovery. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families, and mental health teams have been dispatched to assist children who escaped the rising waters but witnessed their peers being washed away.

Among the deceased is Camp Mystic counselor Chloe Childress, who was a standout student, co-president of the Honor Council, a varsity cross-country runner, and founder of a service club devoted to helping senior citizens. She was preparing to attend the University of Texas at Austin this fall.

Her family shared this statement with the media:
“Chloe Childress lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith. Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic. Our family was shocked to hear of the horrific tragic flooding in the hill country, and we were devastated to learn that our precious Chloe was among the victims. While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours. We desire to grieve privately during this time and thank so many caring people, in advance, for respecting this wish. Please know we are grateful for every kind thought, your quietly spoken prayers, and the countless hearts of sympathy that are carrying us through these days. We thank you for kindly respecting our privacy as we celebrate Chloe’s life and mourn our incomparable loss.”

As the Guadalupe River slowly recedes, recovery crews continue to search for the missing and assess the scale of destruction. Officials warn that additional rain could hamper rescue operations in the days ahead. For many in this tight-knit community, the Fourth of July weekend will be remembered not for celebration, but for tragedy.

To support those affected by the floods near Camp Mystic, Texas, you can donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.