What began as a typical summer holiday weekend in Texas has turned into one of the most heartbreaking disasters in recent memory.
On the Fourth of July, sudden and catastrophic flooding swept through communities in central Texas—devastating families, destroying homes, and leaving dozens dead or missing.
At the center of the heartbreak is Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, where young lives were tragically lost.
Floodwaters Ravage Camp Mystic, Claiming Young Lives
Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas became a scene of unimaginable sorrow when floodwaters from the Guadalupe River surged through the area in the early hours of July 4.
At least five girls, all between the ages of eight and nine, have been confirmed dead, with 11 others still missing.
The director of the camp, Richard “Dick” Eastland, also died while trying to save the children in his care.
Survivors described scenes of chaos and terror as cabins near the river were quickly engulfed.
One 13-year-old girl, Elinor Lester, described seeing helicopters evacuate survivors while the camp was “completely destroyed.”
Houston Official Slammed Over Insensitive Comments
Amid the devastation, controversy erupted after a TikTok video by former City of Houston board member Sade Perkins went viral.
In it, she dismissed the tragedy at Camp Mystic by labeling it a “whites-only, Christian camp,” and questioned why people should care about the missing children while other social injustices go ignored.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire condemned the remarks as “deeply inappropriate” and clarified that Perkins no longer worked for the city and would be removed from any remaining affiliations.
Devastation Spreads Across Kerr County and Beyond
The flooding has affected more than just Camp Mystic.
Communities across Kerr County have been left in ruin, with homes, roads, and bridges destroyed.
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in under an hour—an unstoppable wall of water that caught many by surprise.
The death toll has continued to climb, reaching at least 69, including 21 children.
Over 40 people remain missing statewide, and that number could rise as emergency teams continue search and recovery efforts.
Political Reactions and a Growing Blame Game
Former President George W. Bush expressed heartbreak, noting that his wife Laura once worked at Camp Mystic.
Barack Obama, Pope Leo XIV, and Ivanka Trump also issued statements offering prayers and condolences to grieving families.
However, the disaster has also sparked political outrage.
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell criticized former President Donald Trump for cutting FEMA and early warning systems, which she claims worsened the impact.
Trump, in response, signed a federal disaster declaration and praised first responders—but his administration’s budget decisions remain under scrutiny.
Locals Share Harrowing Survival Stories
Many survivors have spoken out about the moments they thought they wouldn’t make it.
One man, Robert Modgling, described finding the body of a young girl pinned to a tree.
Another, Erin Burgess, survived by clinging to a tree with her son as floodwaters tore through their home.
Ricky Gonzalez, who had rented an Airbnb with friends, told CNN they inflated air mattresses and said their goodbyes, fearing they wouldn’t make it.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amid More Rain Warnings
Search and rescue teams are still combing through wreckage and riverbanks for survivors and victims.
The National Weather Service has issued extended flood warnings, cautioning that more heavy rain could hit already saturated regions.
Forecasts predict two to four more inches of rain, with some areas possibly seeing up to 10 inches.
Officials worry the death toll could exceed 100, with Texas’s emergency services bracing for more potential disasters in the days ahead.
Families of the Missing Pray for Miracles
Photos of the young girls lost and missing from Camp Mystic have surfaced, putting faces to the tragedy.
Families, church groups, and communities across Texas are holding vigils and prayer services, hoping for any news of their loved ones.
Highland Park United Methodist Church, where the Bush family worships, has started a donation drive and released a statement expressing hope and solidarity.
FEMA and Coast Guard Step In, But Questions Remain
Federal assistance has started flowing into the state, with FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard now involved in rescue operations.
However, local officials have publicly criticized the National Weather Service for issuing flood warnings too late—once the damage had already begun.
This criticism, along with the federal budget cuts to FEMA and NOAA in recent years, has added to the debate over disaster preparedness and accountability.
A State in Shock, and a Call for Unity
As Texans begin to pick through the ruins and reckon with their losses, Sunday has been declared a “day of prayer” by Governor Abbott.
Communities are holding onto hope, even as they brace for more rain and more heartbreak.
This is more than just a natural disaster—it’s a test of resilience, of compassion, and of leadership.
And in the face of such immense sorrow, the people of Texas are holding each other close, searching for light in the darkest of moments.