Texas Floods Claim Over 100 Lives, Including Dozens of Children at Summer Camp

Edited By: Tendai Zola

The death toll from the catastrophic flash floods that struck central Texas on July 4th has surpassed 100 fatalities, with search efforts still ongoing for an unknown number of missing persons. Rescue teams continue to navigate dangerous, mud-covered riverbanks amid forecasts of additional thunderstorms threatening to worsen the crisis.

Among the confirmed victims are 27 girls and staff members from Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls’ summer camp, which was devastated when the Guadalupe River burst its banks following torrential pre-dawn rains in Kerr County. Ten other girls and one camp counselor remain unaccounted for.

Authorities reported that 84 people – including 56 adults and 28 children – perished in Kerr County alone. As of Monday, 32 victims had yet to be formally identified, according to the county sheriff’s office.

Camp Mystic expressed its grief in a statement: “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.” One of the camp’s owners, Richard Eastland (70), died while attempting to rescue children. He was described as a hero by local pastor Del Way.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued further flood warnings for the region, with slow-moving storms expected to cause more flash flooding.

While some critics linked the tragedy to budget cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the parent agency of the NWS, the White House firmly denied any shortcomings in the federal response. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “This was an act of God. The National Weather Service did its job and issued early and repeated warnings.”

She detailed that the NWS office in Austin-San Antonio had briefed local authorities ahead of the storm and issued multiple alerts on July 3rd and 4th.

President Donald Trump, set to visit Texas later this week, dismissed suggestions that government cuts played a role. “This is a 100-year catastrophe,” he said, avoiding political blame.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz also called for unity during a press conference, urging against “partisan finger-pointing” as the community mourns.

Amid the devastation, local activist Nicole Wilson renewed calls for flood sirens in Kerr County, noting that similar systems exist elsewhere. After nearly a decade of debate, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick acknowledged their necessity and committed to implementing them by next summer.

Expressions of sympathy have poured in globally. King Charles III conveyed his condolences in a letter to President Trump, expressing “profound sadness” over the loss of life and offering his deepest sympathy to the victims’ families.