Search and rescue teams are working urgently to locate more than 20 missing girls following catastrophic flash flooding at Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in central Texas. The river swelled more than 20 feet in less than two hours on Friday, catching campers and staff off guard and submerging large portions of the camp under fast-moving water.
As of Sunday morning, the families of four campers have confirmed the deaths of their children to CNN. The identities of the victims have not yet been released to the public, pending notification of extended family. Officials fear the number of fatalities may rise in the coming days as efforts continue to search the debris-laden riverbanks and surrounding forested areas.
Emergency crews, including Texas State Troopers, the National Guard, and local fire departments, have been working around the clock to locate survivors. Rescue operations have been bolstered by helicopters and boats, with hundreds of people evacuated since the flooding began.
"The scale of the devastation is difficult to describe," said Hays County Sheriff Daniel Moreno during a press briefing Saturday evening. "Our teams are combing through treacherous terrain and strong currents to bring every missing girl home."
Camp Mystic, founded in 1926 and known for its faith-based programming and rustic outdoor setting, was operating at near-full capacity when the flash floods hit. According to preliminary weather reports, the region received more than six inches of rain in a matter of hours, triggering what meteorologists have called a “1-in-500-year” flood event.
Many families are still gathered at a temporary reunification center set up at a nearby high school, anxiously awaiting news. Counselors, chaplains, and mental health professionals have been made available to support families and survivors alike.
"We're praying for a miracle," said Rachel Granger, whose 13-year-old daughter Madison remains unaccounted for. "This camp has always felt safe. We never imagined something like this could happen.
In response to the disaster, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a federal disaster declaration to unlock emergency resources for the region. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on Saturday that the Trump administration will honor the declaration, allowing federal agencies to coordinate directly with state and local emergency responders.
“Our hearts are with the families affected by this unthinkable tragedy,” Secretary Noem said. “We are mobilizing every available resource to aid in rescue efforts and provide relief in the days ahead.”
As weather conditions stabilize, officials are urging the public to stay away from flooded areas and to monitor updates from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
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