Torrential rains cause devastating flash floods across Central Texas, leaving dozens dead and many missing, including over 20 girls from a summer camp in Kerr County.
Texas [US], July 6: In one of the worst natural disasters in recent Texas history, flash floods triggered by torrential rains have claimed the lives of over 50 people across Central Texas, CNN reported. With floodwaters rising more than 20 feet in just two hours in Kerr County, the situation remains dire as more than 20 girls from a Christian summer camp remain missing. In response, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has assured swift action and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared Sunday, July 6, a Day of Prayer.
The Central Texas region is grappling with tragedy after sudden flash floods swept through communities, killing over 50 people and leaving scores missing or stranded. In Kerr County alone, hundreds have been rescued, many by helicopter, after rivers surged dramatically overnight into Friday.
One of the gravest concerns remains at Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls located along the river. Authorities have confirmed that more than 20 girls remain unaccounted for, raising urgent concerns over their safety as search and rescue missions continue around the clock.
Some areas reportedly received an entire month’s worth of rainfall within just a few hours, catching local authorities and residents off guard.
In a late-night post on X (formerly Twitter), Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the U.S. Coast Guard had saved or assisted in rescuing 223 people amid the disaster.
“The number one priority right now is people – making sure we are finding them as fast as possible and are returning them to their families,” Noem emphasized in a video message shared from her official X account.
“Our hearts are with those impacted by the Central Texas floods. I thank Gov. Abbott, state officials, and the U.S. Coast Guard for their swift, heroic response,” she added.
Secretary Noem further confirmed that she is in constant communication with President Trump, who has committed to deploying all necessary federal resources to aid Texas.
“DHS remains fully engaged… God bless Texas,” she concluded in her message.
Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott took to X to announce July 6 as a ‘Day of Prayer’ across Texas, inviting residents to come together in support of those affected.
“Declared this Sunday, July 6th, as a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods in the Hill Country. I invite Texans to join me in prayer for the communities affected by this disaster,” Abbott wrote.
In an important administrative move, Governor Abbott signed an expanded disaster declaration on Saturday, including Travis County, located roughly 130 miles from the flood-hit Kerr County. CNN also reported that the Trump administration will honor a federal disaster declaration signed by the Governor to unlock further relief efforts and financial aid.
As Texas mourns the loss of lives and prays for the safe return of the missing, rescue teams remain relentless in their efforts. The floods have tested the state’s resilience, but with support pouring in from local, state, and federal authorities, the focus remains on saving lives, reuniting families, and rebuilding shattered communities.