Hundreds of rescuers are desperately searching for more than 30 missing people in Texas after torrential rains caused catastrophic floods that have claimed the lives of at least 51 individuals, including 15 children. The exact number of missing persons is still unclear, but officials report that over 30 of them are girls who were attending a Christian youth camp along the Guadalupe River — which overflowed its banks dramatically.
The river level rose over six meters in less than two hours during the night of the July 4th holiday weekend. Camp Mystic, a long-standing Christian girls’ summer camp, was hosting approximately 700 minor girls when the flood struck, according to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
One of the confirmed victims was 9-year-old Renee Smiestra, whose death was verified by her uncle. He noted on social media that early identification was likely assisted by photo-sharing platforms. He also expressed gratitude that she had been with friends and enjoyed herself before the tragedy.
Heart-wrenching images from the area show massive destruction and emotional distress among survivors and families of the missing, hoping for reunification. Another nearby girls’ camp, Heart O’ the Hills, reported that co-owner Jane Ragsdale died in the floods, though no other camp members were present at the time.
Search and rescue operations involved helicopters, boats, and drones to locate victims trapped in trees or isolated campsites. Authorities said around 850 people were rescued, with more than 1,700 personnel involved in the operation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged round-the-clock efforts to find those missing and declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. Meteorologists warned that Central Texas could face more flooding this weekend, with up to 12 inches of rainfall expected.
Thirteen-year-old Stella Thompson, who remained safe at a higher elevation during the flood, described feeling numb during the crisis. She recalled how intense rainfall woke everyone in their cabin, which eventually lost power. Though they were not directly affected, uncertainty and concern for others overwhelmed the campers.
Camp staff instructed the girls to gather dry clothes to help others and later prepared for evacuees from the Guadalupe side of the camp, though plans changed constantly. Eventually, they learned that camps on the other side had been evacuated due to severe flooding.
When military trucks arrived late Friday evening to evacuate their side of the camp, Stella witnessed the devastation firsthand — uprooted trees, vehicles, suitcases, and clothes scattered everywhere, while first responders searched the water for bodies and survivors.
As desperate parents search for news about their daughters, Janie Hunt, mother of 9-year-old Camp Mystic attendee, confirmed her daughter also perished in the disaster.