Authorities in Texas are currently engaged in a substantial rescue operation for survivors, following devastating floods that have reportedly claimed 82 lives.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic flash flooding that swept through Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County, Texas, rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate the 11 campers and one counselor still missing. The flood, which occurred on July 4, 2025, followed torrential rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, causing the Guadalupe River to surge from about 3 feet to nearly 35 feet in height[1][2][3].
As of July 6-7, 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for according to Texas authorities, including Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick[1][3]. Initially, 23 girls were reported missing from the camp out of approximately 750 campers, but the latest confirmed missing count is 11 girls and one counselor[2][3].
Tragically, some missing girls, such as Lila Bonner and Eolise Peck, have been confirmed among the flood fatalities. Overall, Kerr County has reported at least 59 flood victims found, including 21 children, and at least 24 deaths in Kerr County alone[1][2].
Hundreds of rescuers, including local, state, and possibly federal teams, are conducting ongoing search and rescue operations along the swollen Guadalupe River and around Camp Mystic[3]. The area has been severely damaged, with no water, power, or internet connectivity at the camp, complicating communication and rescue coordination[3].
Families of missing campers remain hopeful for a miracle, and some are actively searching on the ground while officials continue organized rescue efforts[1][2][3]. The White House is in contact with authorities to deal with the storm, and President Donald Trump has signed the declaration of major disaster for Kerr County to ensure first responders have immediate access to resources[2].
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has assured that President Trump wants to "modernize the technology" of the meteorological forecasting and disaster prevention agencies in response to the event[1]. However, there were no alerts or warnings in time before the severe flooding[2].
Heavy rains threaten Texas again this Sunday, with the area on alert for new floods. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warns of more storms expected to pose a deadly threat in the next 24 to 48 hours[2]. Despite the ongoing risks, Trump announced he would probably travel to the site on Friday[1].
The flood has caused extensive infrastructure damage, with flooded roads and areas without electricity, internet, or telephone signal in several counties in central Texas[2]. The White House has denied any link between budget cuts in national weather services and the high number of victims[2].
In total, at least 82 people have died in Texas due to the overflowing Guadalupe River, including 28 children. Sixteen bodies found in Kerr County are currently unidentified[2]. The water of the Guadalupe River is starting to recede, making it easier for rescue teams to search for survivors and bodies[3].
[1] ABC News. (2025, July 6). Missing Campers: 11 Girls and 1 Counselor Still Unaccounted for After Texas Flood. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-campers-11-girls-counselor-unaccounted-texas-flood/story?id=84096356
[2] The Washington Post. (2025, July 6). At Least 82 Dead in Texas Floods as Rescue Efforts Continue. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/07/06/texas-floods-death-toll-rises-as-rescuers-search-for-missing-campers/
[3] NBC News. (2025, July 6). Texas Flood: 11 Campers and 1 Counselor Still Missing After Camp Mystic All-Girls Christian Camp Flooded. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-flood-11-campers-counselor-still-missing-after-camp-mystic-n1258621
- The average number of fatalities and missing individuals from the Camp Mystic flood incident, including campers and a counselor, has exceeded general-news and politics discussions in the past few days, with at least 82 deaths reported and 11 still unaccounted for.
- Despite the President's announcement to visit the affected area, the ongoing flood-and-justice narrative is concentrate around the lack of proper meteorological forecasting and disaster prevention, highlighted by the unforeseen catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic, with Secretary Noem assuring the President's intent to modernize these agencies in response.
