COMFORT, TEXAS – In a remarkable and emotional moment amidst the devastation caused by the historic Texas floods, two young girls were found alive on Sunday afternoon, clinging to the branches of a tree 27 feet above ground, over 24 hours after being swept away by rising waters.
Rescuer Cord Shiflet, who was part of the search operation near Comfort, Texas, said the girls were discovered six miles downstream from where they were last seen.
“They had been holding on for over a day,” Shiflet shared in a Facebook Live video. “They found them six miles down river, alive—still hanging in there.”
Their names have not been made public, but the discovery brought a surge of hope to search crews and grieving communities.
‘Hope to Keep Working’
Later in a Facebook post, Shiflet wrote:
“Overwhelmingly thrilled to report two young girls were just found alive… It gives all of us hope to keep working harder and faster. Keep your thoughts and prayers with everybody down here. It’s a very tough day, but good things are also happening.”
The Comfort area in Kendall County is one of the hardest-hit regions by the flash flooding that swept through Central Texas after torrential rains from July 4–5.
Grim Toll of the Floods
As of Sunday night, officials confirmed that at least 70 people had died due to the catastrophic flooding. Many others remain missing, including:
- 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls in Kerr County.
Shiflet also confirmed four bodies were recovered on Sunday:
- A man found in storm debris
- Two women inside a vehicle
- One unidentified body at the scene
Breakdown of Confirmed Deaths:
- Kerr County: 59
- Travis County: 4
- Burnet County: 3
- Kendall County: 2
- Williamson County: 1
- Tom Green County: 1
An additional 30 people are still listed as missing across multiple counties.
Federal Response: Trump Signs Disaster Declaration
In response to the escalating crisis, President Donald Trump announced Sunday the approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County.
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy… The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Texas Governor Greg Abbott were already on the ground to coordinate emergency support.
Community in Mourning, But United in Hope
Camp Mystic, founded in 1926, has been at the heart of the tragedy. Search teams, families, and volunteers continue combing the Guadalupe River area in hopes of finding the missing.
The dramatic rescue of the two girls clinging to tree branches, however, has offered a symbol of resilience and faith.
“It’s a moment that reminds us why we keep going,” Shiflet said. “There’s still hope out there.”
FAQs
📍 Where were the girls found?
Six miles downstream from where they were last seen, near Comfort, Texas, 27 feet above ground, in the branches of a tree.
🆘 How long were they missing?
Over 24 hours before they were located during search operations.
🌊 What caused the flooding?
Heavy rainfall from July 4–5 caused the Guadalupe River and nearby waterways to overflow, triggering flash floods across Central Texas.
⚰️ What is the death toll now?
At least 70 fatalities have been confirmed, with over 30 people still missing.
🗳️ What has the federal response been?
President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County. Federal aid and emergency resources are being mobilized.