Flash Floods in Texas Kill 120 Including Children at Camp Mystic

A devastating wave of flash floods swept across Central Texas over the weekend, killing at least 120 people, including dozens of children attending Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp.

Torrential rains triggered sudden and violent flooding, turning quiet rivers into deadly torrents and leaving families shattered. What began as a joyful holiday weekend became a nightmare of destruction and heartbreak.

Search and rescue teams are still combing through wreckage, as communities reel from one of the deadliest weather disasters in the state’s recent history. The tragedy has raised serious questions about emergency preparedness and warning systems.

Camp Mystic Turns from Summer Escape to Disaster Zone

Nestled along the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic was packed with campers and staff when the floods hit late Saturday night. Without warning, water surged into the camp, sweeping away cabins and trapping many in the darkness.

One survivor said:

“We heard screaming, then the cabins started shaking. The water was everywhere. We prayed in the dark as the flood took everything.”

At least 27 people at the camp lost their lives. First responders rushed through raging waters and debris, but many victims were already unreachable. Heartbroken families now wait for updates, clinging to hope amid despair.

Emergency Alerts Fail to Warn in Time

Many residents and victims’ families say the Code Red alerts either arrived too late or not at all. Small towns and rural areas lacked proper flood warning systems, leaving people vulnerable in the dead of night.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency and promised a full investigation.

Abbott said:

“This is a catastrophic event. We must make sure it never happens again.”

As helicopters and boats search for survivors, pressure mounts on local and state officials to explain how such a large-scale failure in communication could occur.

Texas Grieves and Demands Immediate Action

In towns like Kerrville and Ingram, schools and churches have become shelters and grief centers. Candlelight vigils are taking place each night, as neighbors come together to mourn and support one another.

Environmental experts warn that deadly flash floods may become more frequent due to climate change and unchecked development near rivers. Families and lawmakers alike are demanding that Texas improve its flood preparedness, especially in vulnerable areas.

For those who lost loved ones, especially the young victims at Camp Mystic, this tragedy is a haunting reminder that nature’s fury can strike with terrifying speed, and without proper warning, the cost is too high.

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