Texas Hill Country Flash Floods Leave Over 100 Dead, Many Missing

A photograph captured on October 9, 2023, depicts the White House in Washington, D.C., United States.

Devastating flash floods ravaged the Texas Hill Country, resulting in a tragic loss of life. As of Tuesday, the death toll had reached at least 109, with over 160 individuals still unaccounted for. Rescue operations continued along the Guadalupe River.

Officials reported that 87 fatalities occurred in Kerr County. Camp Mystic, situated along the river in Hunt, Texas, confirmed on Monday that at least 27 campers and counselors perished in the flooding.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced during a news briefing on Tuesday afternoon that at least 161 people were missing following the deadly floods. He emphasized that search efforts would continue throughout the Guadalupe River system to locate anyone else. The public was urged to contact local officials with any information regarding missing friends or relatives.

Camp Mystic released a statement expressing profound sorrow and offering prayers for the affected families. The camp confirmed ongoing communication with local and state authorities, who were deploying significant resources to search for the missing individuals. According to CBS News, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha stated that at least five Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remained missing. Approximately 750 children were present at Camp Mystic when the floods struck.

In response to the disaster, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, as requested by Governor Abbott. On Saturday, Governor Abbott visited the summer camp, describing the scene as "horrendously ravaged.