Hunt, Texas: The death toll from the devastating flash floods that struck central Texas has risen to 104, with 84 bodies recovered in Kerr County alone, including 28 children, according to the Associated Press. Dozens remain missing as rescue teams continue their frantic search along the Guadalupe River.
Among the worst-hit locations was Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, where water surged into riverside camps in the early hours of Friday, July 6, sweeping through cabins, tents, and trailers while many were still asleep. Some survivors were found clinging to trees, while others were tragically swept miles downstream.
Haunting Aftermath and Ongoing Search
Rescue workers continue to dig through debris strewn along the riverbanks—tree trunks entangled with mattresses, coolers, canoes, and family photographs, symbols of a community shattered by disaster.
Officials confirmed deaths across Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties, including:
- 8-year-old twin sisters from Dallas
- A former soccer coach and his wife, whose daughters are still missing
With more rain forecast, officials have warned the death toll could rise further.
Questions Over Flood Warnings and Camp Evacuations
Authorities have pledged a full investigation into:
- The effectiveness of weather alerts
- Whether camps received or responded to warnings
- Why some failed to evacuate, despite being in the area locally known as “Flash Flood Alley”
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice highlighted challenges in cellphone coverage in affected areas:
“We definitely want to dive in and look at all those things… once we can get the search and rescue complete.”
While some camps evacuated early, others did not, raising questions about emergency preparedness. At least one camp relocated hundreds of children to higher ground before the floods hit.
FEMA, Budget Cuts & Political Response
Senator Ted Cruz, visiting the disaster zone, downplayed concerns over recent budget cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service:
“There’s a time to have political fights, there’s a time to disagree. This is not that time… My hope is in time we learn some lessons to implement the next time there is a flood.”
National Mourning, Community Support
As Texas reels from one of its deadliest weather disasters in decades, tributes have poured in for the victims. Grief-stricken families and survivors are being provided with mental health support, temporary shelter, and emergency aid.
Federal and state agencies have deployed additional personnel and resources as search-and-rescue operations enter a critical phase.
💬 If you or someone you know is impacted by the Texas floods, call the FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline or visit disasterassistance.gov for resources.