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Flash flooding along Texas’ Guadalupe River July 4 has left at least 24 people dead, with more than 20 children missing from a Christian girls’ camp.
FOX News reported that torrential rainfall Friday morning caused the river to rise nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes, catching communities along the river off guard. Between 23 to 25 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp with more than 750 campers, are still missing. According to NPR, officials have said that some of the girls may be stranded without a way to call for help.
The New York Times reported that the floods were a surprise to many in the area, with some Texas officials saying that some National Weather Service alerts had underestimated the rain’s potential damage.
According to NPR, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, Friday night declared several counties in central Texas to be in a state of disaster, promising commitment to searching for those missing. He said that search and rescue missions would continue into the night, calling it “a 24/7 effort.”
According to NPR and The New York Times, at least 237 people have been rescued and evacuated by the Texas National Guard, the majority by helicopter. The New York Times reported that the flash flood warnings affected more than 30,000 people, with the floods also cutting off or causing damage to power lines, roads, and cell phone service.
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem activated the US Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid in search and rescue missions, the New York Times reported. President Donald Trump has also promised federal aid to those affected by the floods, stating, “We’ll take care of them.”
FOX News reported that Abbott confirmed the federal government’s assistance Friday night, stating that he had been in contact with Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
“The federal government is leaning in and wants to assist the community here in the heart of Texas,” Abbott said.
Texas lawmakers have responded to the floods on X, asking for prayers and urging parents of children camping in the area to refrain from driving towards the river.
“I know if it was one of my children, I would be tempted to want to drive there from Houston as well,” Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican, said, according to FOX News. “Once we’re able to get some of those roads clear, when the rain stops, then we have 10 busses ready to go in and pick up the kids, and we’ll find a point … where you can be reunited with your child and hug them. Hug them hard, because you know they’re frightened.”
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, posted on X, urging people to pray and providing updates.
“Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic,” Cruz wrote on X. “Today, I’ve spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President [Donald] Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs.”
According to FOX News, a local Walmart is being used as a temporary reunification center and other shelters have been activated.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
