Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp near the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, after devastating flash floods swept through the region.

The floods, triggered by torrential rainfall on July 4, caused the river to surge by nearly 30 feet in less than an hour, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.

Local officials report that at least 51 people, including 15 children, have perished in the flooding, with Kerr County bearing the brunt of the tragedy, accounting for 43 deaths. The families of four Camp Mystic campers—Renee Smajstrla, Janie Hunt, Sarah Marsh, and Lila Bonner—have confirmed their deaths, while others anxiously await updates at reunification centers in Kerrville. The mother of 9-year-old Lainey Landry, another missing camper, described her daughter as “brave and sweet,” expressing hope amid the uncertainty.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a Saturday press conference, expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis, and Williamson counties, ensuring access to critical resources. He also formally requested a federal disaster declaration, which the Trump administration has pledged to honor, marking a shift from earlier denials of similar requests this year. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized President Trump’s commitment, stating, “Relief will be coming,” as federal resources, including helicopters and FEMA support, are deployed to aid the rescue efforts.

The flooding, described as an “extraordinary catastrophe” by Abbott, has prompted an unprecedented response. Over 850 people have been rescued in the past 36 hours, with many airlifted from treetops and rooftops by the Texas National Guard and other first responders. Despite the grim outlook, officials remain focused on life-saving operations, with Abbott instructing responders to “assume every missing person is alive.” Search efforts, utilizing helicopters, drones, and boats, continue around the clock, with additional resources arriving Sunday morning.

New updates indicate that the National Weather Service (NWS) has extended flash flood warnings through Sunday evening, as more heavy rainfall is expected, potentially complicating rescue operations. The Guadalupe River, which rose to 39 feet in some areas, remains a dangerous obstacle, with debris-laden waters hampering efforts. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice confirmed that the focus remains on Camp Mystic, where 750 campers were present when the floods hit. The camp, a nearly century-old institution, was left in ruins, with mud-caked cabins and scattered belongings testifying to the flood’s ferocity.

Tragically, the director of Camp Mystic, Dick Eastland, and Jane Ragsdale, director of the nearby Heart O’ the Hills camp, were among the victims. Their deaths have deeply shaken the community, with tributes highlighting their lifelong dedication to the camps and their impact on generations of campers.

Criticism has emerged over the adequacy of early warnings, with some Texas officials questioning the NWS’s forecasts, which underestimated the rainfall that reached up to 15 inches in parts of Kerr County. However, meteorologists defend the agency, noting that flash flood warnings were issued hours before the disaster. The Trump administration’s prior cuts to NWS staffing have fueled debate, with experts warning that forecasting capabilities may have been compromised.

President Trump, addressing the crisis on Truth Social, expressed heartbreak and pledged full federal support, stating, “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy.” Vice President JD Vance called the floods an “incomprehensible tragedy,” echoing calls for unity and resilience.

As the region braces for more rain, local communities are rallying, with organizations like the San Angelo Area Foundation and United Way collecting donations for flood victims. The Calvary Temple Church in Kerrville has opened a second reunification center, offering food and support to families searching for loved ones. The road to recovery remains daunting, but officials and residents alike emphasize the strength of Texas’ spirit, with Abbott praising the community’s unity: “This is quintessential Texas—we come together, we unite.”

The search for the missing girls continues, with authorities vowing to leave no stone unturned until every camper is accounted for. (ILKHA)