Devastating Floods Claim Dozens of Lives in Central Texas
Texas is reeling after catastrophic flooding this week left at least 32 people dead and dozens more missing, including campers and staff from a girls summer camp in the Hill Country region. Torrential rains inundated rivers and low-lying communities, overwhelming local emergency services and prompting widespread evacuations.
Campers Missing After Swift Water Breach
The worst-hit area was near Wimberley, where the Blanco River surged to record levels overnight on July 4. Authorities confirmed that a girls camp located along the riverbanks was caught off guard by the rapidly rising waters. Despite emergency alerts and evacuation efforts, more than 40 campers and staff were reported missing as the river breached its banks and flooded the campgrounds.
Texas Department of Public Safety spokespersons said that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams utilizing helicopters, drones, and boats to comb the debris-strewn area. Families gathered at designated reunification centers, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Statewide Emergency Declared
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for 22 counties, mobilizing the Texas National Guard and additional federal support. The National Weather Service reported that some regions received over 18 inches of rain in less than 36 hours, the heaviest rainfall seen in the state since Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Floodwaters forced major highways to close, including portions of I-35 near Austin and San Antonio. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, and utility outages affected tens of thousands of residents across the region.
Disaster Response and Ongoing Threats
- Rescue Efforts: Over 1,200 first responders are engaged in search operations, with assistance from FEMA and neighboring states.
- Weather Outlook: Forecasters warn that additional rainfall is possible through the weekend, raising the risk of further flash flooding in saturated areas.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Local shelters are open in Austin, San Marcos, and New Braunfels for displaced residents and campers.
The American Red Cross and local charities urged Texans to donate blood, emergency supplies, and funds to support those impacted by the disaster. President Kamala Harris pledged federal aid and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
Impact on Communities
Officials have called this event one of the deadliest weather disasters in Texas in recent years. The full extent of the damage and the fate of the missing campers remain unclear as search efforts continue. Authorities are urging residents to avoid flooded areas and heed official warnings as recovery operations progress.
For updates and resources, visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website or call the state’s emergency hotline.
