Over the past few days, the small town of Hunt, Texas, has become the epicenter of a tragic disaster that has gripped the hearts of many. A sudden and severe flood, which swept through the area on Friday morning, has devastated the landscape and claimed the lives of several campers at Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian camp. The flood has led to the tragic deaths of at least 27 people, with the camp director, Jane Ragsdale, among the victims. Over 23 girls are still missing, and the community is left in a state of mourning and confusion.
The cause of the flood was the sudden and extreme rise of the Guadalupe River, which surged nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes. This resulted in the complete destruction of the camp, which was located near the riverbanks. Younger campers, who could begin attending the camp at age 8, were housed along the riverbanks and were the first to be affected by the rising waters. Some campers, like 13-year-old Elinor Lester, were evacuated by helicopter after wading through the floodwaters. The camp, known as Senior Hill, had higher ground where some of the older campers were housed, giving them a momentary reprieve from the rising waters.
Families are now desperately searching for their missing loved ones, with over 23 girls still unaccounted for. Parents are being urged to contact the Red Cross for information on missing campers. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has organized reunification centers at Ingram Elementary School and the Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville, Texas, to facilitate the search for missing individuals. As of Saturday afternoon, the number of missing campers remained at 23, with families like Ellen Toranzo and Carrie Hanna still waiting for news on their children, Greta Toranzo and Hadley, respectively.
The National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard have been deployed to assist with the rescue and evacuation efforts, with over 1,000 state responders and 800 equipment assets mobilized. Emergency services are working alongside state and federal agencies to manage the crisis, which has led to the declaration of an emergency for 15 counties by Governor Greg Abbott. The governor has expressed his hope for prayer and community support during this difficult time, emphasizing the need for unity and strength.
President Donald Trump has also taken notice of the tragedy, confirming that the administration is working with state and local officials to respond to the disaster. The president and First Lady Melania have expressed their prayers for the families involved in this tragedy. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic, has also offered his prayers and included an invocation for the victims of the flood. His post on X has highlighted the severity of the situation and the need for collective compassion and support.
As the town of Hunt, Texas, grapples with the loss of life and the devastation caused by the flood, the community is left to mourn and seek closure for the families affected. The tragedy has not only taken lives but has also left the local community reeling, with many still waiting for news on their missing loved ones. The situation remains critical, and the search and rescue efforts continue to uncover more details about the disaster’s impact.