A tragedy unfolded in Texas Hill Country on Friday, with at least six people perishing and approximately 20 girls from a summer camp reported missing due to heavy rain that fell over a short period. Search teams had to employ boats and helicopters in the swift water to conduct rescues.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick mentioned that between 6 and 10 bodies had been discovered in the ongoing search for victims. In a simultaneous news conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported 13 deaths from the flooding. The downpour of at least 10 inches of rain caused flash flooding of the Guadalupe River, prompting urgent requests for information about the missing individuals.
Rescue teams carried out numerous operations, and emergency responders continued their efforts to locate those still unaccounted for. The Kerr County sheriff’s office Facebook post was flooded with photos of individuals in the affected area, with loved ones seeking updates on those they had not been able to reach.
Judge Rob Kelly confirmed the fatalities from the flooding and multiple water rescues, emphasizing that specific numbers were not being disclosed as authorities worked on identifying the deceased. Amid the chaos, one family shared a harrowing experience surviving the ordeal.
Erin Burgess recounted waking up to heavy rain in her home near the river, which soon led to water flooding in. She and her family clung to a tree until they could reach safety on higher ground. Burgess expressed relief that her tall son was able to help in the crisis.
The flood, which was unforeseen by many, caught the area off guard, with no warning system in place. Despite previous flood warnings, the sudden flash flooding took many residents by surprise. Gov. Greg Abbott pledged state resources to support the affected Hill Country communities in their recovery efforts.
Several towns in Texas Hill Country, such as Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt, serve as a picturesque entryway to flourishing vineyards and holiday rentals. This region, located west of the Texas state capital, is a popular destination for outdoor summer adventures. However, some areas are susceptible to sudden flash floods.
Following severe weather, concerned individuals took to social media seeking information about loved ones at various camps in the area or those who had gone camping over the holiday weekend. The Ingram Fire Department shared a notice from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls, revealing that the camp had been severely affected by the floods. Parents of missing campers were promptly notified by the camp.
In contrast, Camp Waldemar, situated on the river east of Hunt, reassured the public of their safety through an Instagram post amid the turbulent weather conditions. The rapid rise of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, as recorded by a gauge, was alarming, indicating a significant increase in water levels over a short period.
Elsewhere, central New Jersey faced its own share of tragedy due to powerful thunderstorms. In Plainfield, two men tragically lost their lives when a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm. The community mourned their passing, and the city canceled its scheduled July Fourth festivities to focus on recovery efforts.
Additionally, southern New England experienced power outages, downed trees, and hazardous driving conditions following the severe weather. Reports of hailstorms and vehicle accidents in northeastern Connecticut highlighted the widespread impact of the inclement weather.
