Devastating floods that swept through central Texas last weekend left a tragic trail: at least 100 people died, including more than two dozen children, and search and rescue teams have been combing the destroyed region for the fifth consecutive day. This disaster, which local authorities call one of the worst in the state's history, shattered families, destroyed communities, and raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of the weather warning system.
According to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office, as of Monday evening, the bodies of 84 individuals were recovered in the county, including 28 children. Considering reports from neighboring counties, the total number of fatalities exceeded 100, with 22 adults and 10 children still unidentified. These figures paint a horrifying picture of a region unprepared for the sudden fury of the Guadalupe River, which, according to official data, rose 29 feet in less than two hours in the town of Hunt, Texas.
One of the most tragic losses was the disaster at the "Mystic" camp, a summer camp for girls located on the riverbank. Authorities confirmed the death of 27 people at the camp, and 11 individuals — 10 female campers and one caregiver — are still considered missing. The camp, known as a place where strong friendships were forged, has now become a symbol of nature’s ruthless power.
“I thought it was just a thunderstorm and lightning,” Caroline Kutrona, the camp counselor, told CNN on Monday, her voice trembling with exhaustion and sorrow. “I didn’t realize how serious it was. The cabins were shaking, it was very loud, but we had experienced storms at Mystic before, and everything always ended well. I thought it would be the same this time.” Her words reflect the feelings of many survivors who say they were caught off guard by the speed and strength of the flooding.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings before the storm, but increasing voices — from survivors, local officials, and activists — express doubts about how these warnings were communicated to the public. According to sources familiar with the state’s emergency response protocols, who spoke on condition of anonymity, even experienced meteorologists did not expect such a rapid rise of the Guadalupe River. An investigation is now underway to determine whether delays or errors in warning transmissions contributed to the high number of casualties.
President Donald Trump, speaking to journalists on Monday, called the floods “a horrific, terrible event” and announced plans to visit Texas on Friday to oversee recovery efforts. “You saw how Texas suffered enormous damage from something that became a big surprise late at night,” he said. “We will work with the governor and all Texas residents.” The White House has not yet disclosed details about the extent of federal aid, but the scale of destruction — destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and entire communities left homeless — indicates a lengthy and costly recovery process.
Human losses are impossible to quantify. Families grapple with unimaginable grief, and the fate of the 11 missing persons from Mystic camp hangs over the region like a dark cloud. Search and rescue operations, reinforced by state and federal teams, continue to probe the marshy, debris-strewn banks of the Guadalupe. However, hope, though not lost, wanes with each passing hour.
In response to the tragedy, Scripps News Group and Scripps Howard Fund have launched a fundraising campaign to support local organizations providing direct aid to those affected. Organizers assure that every dollar donated will go toward rebuilding lives in a region still reeling from the shock. This initiative, implemented in partnership with the nonprofit Scripps Howard Fund, underscores the importance of collective efforts in the face of such a massive disaster.
While central Texas mourns its dead, a question remains open: could this catastrophe have been prevented? The answer, gradually emerging from the wreckage, will determine not only the state's recovery but also its preparedness for the next inevitable storm.
