Central Texas Floods Kill 81, Sisters Confirmed Dead; Dozens Still Missing at Camp Mystic

Central Texas is in grief after devastating flash floods killed 81 people and left 41 others missing. This makes people worry about the Camp Mystic kids who are still missing. Early Friday morning, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes after a stalled storm dumped more rain than expected on Kerr County and nearby towns.

Dallas teens Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, died on Saturday, according to St. Rita Catholic Community. They were with grandparents who had gotten lost near the Guadalupe River. At their memorial service at St. Rita, Pastor Fr. Joshua Whitfield asked that people pray for the Harber family during "this time of profound grief."

Out of the 81 people who died, 40 were adults and 28 were children, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. The identities of 18 adults and 10 children are still unknown. After the flood, 10 campers and one staff member were not at Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls that only had 750 kids. An earlier report stated that 27 campers were missing.

Because it rose so quickly, the Guadalupe hit its second-highest level ever in Kerrville. 

Emergency workers have saved more than 850 lives, including 160 by air. The Coast Guard has saved more than 220 lives. Crews on the ground, in helicopters, and with drones search riverbanks and downed trees.

President Donald Trump stated that the federal government would cover all costs—rescue, recovery, and rebuilding.

Governor Greg Abbott and Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, utilized state and federal resources. Officials in the area stated that the damage was unprecedented, and many towns lacked power, water, and roads. Families are looking for their lost loved ones very hard. As they continue to recover, survivors and first responders are mentally worn out.

The government advises people to avoid flooded areas, adhere to evacuation orders, and stay informed through official channels as more rain is forecast.

‍