What should have been a fun and carefree Fourth of July weekend in Texas quickly spiraled into horror when unexpected flash floods tore through Kerr County.

Young campers at the riverside Camp Mystic were among the first hit—some were still asleep when the Guadalupe River surged over its banks.

By Sunday, the community was reeling from a disaster that left dozens dead, many more missing, and the entire region in shock.

Little Campers Caught Too Close to the River

At Camp Mystic, nestled just 225 feet from the Guadalupe River, the youngest children were sleeping in cabins located dangerously close to the water.

The older girls had safer lodgings further uphill, but those in the lower “flats” had no chance to escape the sudden rush of water.

Tragically, at least five girls between the ages of eight and nine have been confirmed dead, and 11 more children are still unaccounted for.

One camp counselor is also missing.

Thirteen-year-old survivor Elinor Lester recalled to ABC7, “The camp was completely destroyed.

A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”

The Death Toll Keeps Rising

By Sunday afternoon, the official death toll reached 67, including 21 children, with most of the fatalities concentrated in Kerr County.

Officials fear the final number could surpass 100.

Search teams are still combing through debris and riverbanks for survivors and victims alike.

A Beloved Camp Director Dies Trying to Help

Among those lost was Richard “Dick” Eastland, the 70-year-old director of Camp Mystic.

He reportedly died while trying to rescue the young campers from the rising floodwaters.

His wife, Tweety, was found safe at their home.

Eastland’s death has sent ripples through the community, where he was a beloved figure known for his lifelong dedication to the camp.

Five Girls Identified Among the Deceased

The five young victims identified so far are:

Renee Smajstrla (8)
Sarah Marsh (8)
Eloise Peck (8)
Janie Hunt (9)
Lila Bonner (9)

All were part of the camp’s youngest group, whose cabins were hit hardest and fastest by the rushing water.

Meteorologists Warn of More Rain on the Way

As rescue operations continue, flood watches remain in place across central Texas, including Kerrville County, where damage has been most severe.

Meteorologists warn that additional rainfall—up to 10 inches in some areas—could worsen conditions, and emergency alerts remain active across Hill Country, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas.

Survivors Share Harrowing Tales

Ingram resident Erin Burgess described waking to thunder and rain, and within minutes, water flooding her home.

She and her son survived by clinging to a tree for an hour, while her boyfriend and dog were swept away—though thankfully found alive later.

Another survivor, Ricky Gonzalez, told CNN he nearly drowned in a flooded Airbnb while celebrating the holiday with friends.

“Some of us don’t know how to swim,” he said, “and the water was almost 30 feet deep.

I was FaceTiming my sister, basically giving my last goodbye.”

Frustration Grows Over Late Warnings

Locals are now demanding answers. Many say official warnings came far too late.

The National Weather Service didn’t issue a Flash Flood Emergency until 4:30 a.m. on July 4, when many homes and the camp were already under water.

This delay has sparked criticism, especially after it was revealed that federal budget cuts to disaster agencies—including FEMA and the National Weather Service—have impacted their staffing and responsiveness.

Trump Declares Disaster, Faces Backlash Over Cuts

Former President Donald Trump declared the Texas floods a “Major Disaster” and said federal aid would be delivered quickly.

“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy,” he wrote on Truth Social.

But critics pointed to previous cuts made under his administration to FEMA and NOAA, which are crucial in responding to weather-related emergencies.

Still, Trump praised first responders, noting that the Coast Guard and others have already rescued more than 850 people.

Religious Communities and Leaders Rally Support

Faith communities have stepped up. Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, where former President George W. Bush once worshipped, issued a plea for prayers and donations.

One of their own, young Hadley Hanna, is still missing.

Pope Leo XIV also offered condolences from the Vatican, saying he was praying for the families affected by the tragedy, especially the 27 children still unaccounted for at Camp Mystic.

The Search Continues Amid Widespread Devastation

Local authorities, national rescue teams, and volunteers are continuing their efforts in and around Kerrville and Ingram, where the river surged the worst.

The death toll is expected to rise as searches continue.

Among those lost are Reece Zunker, a well-known soccer coach, and his wife Paula.

Their home was seen floating down the river, and their two children remain missing.

Texans Turn to Prayer and Each Other

Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a Day of Prayer, asking all Texans to pray for those who died, those still missing, and those working on the front lines.

Despite the devastation, stories of kindness and resilience continue to emerge—from strangers offering shelter to churches opening their doors.

But many are still asking: Why weren’t we warned in time?