The death toll from the catastrophic flooding in central Texas has now reached 104, with 28 children confirmed dead in Kerr County alone — many of them campers at Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
As of Tuesday morning, 24 people remain missing, including 10 girls and one counsellor from Camp Mystic.
CNN reports that rescue efforts continue today with hundreds of volunteers and more than 20 state agencies involved, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is scheduled to speak at a press conference this evening.
“The safest place I’ve ever known”
Camp Mystic counsellor Caroline Cutrona spoke with CNN, recounting how her group of 14 girls, ages 9 and 10, were on higher ground at Cypress Lake when the flooding occurred. Cutrona said she heard thunder and felt buildings shake overnight but had no idea the disaster was unfolding down the hill at the river.
“I always thought it was going to be OK,” said Cutrona, now in her 11th summer at the camp.
“I wanted it to be a dream… Camp Mystic’s the safest place I’ve ever known. And I just couldn’t believe it.”
Due to camp protocol, counsellors had turned in their phones and were unaware of emergency alerts. Cutrona said she slowly began to realise the seriousness of the situation after seeing girls being asked to hand over clothes and being moved to James Hall, the dining room used as an evacuation point.
Later in the day, a camp director informed staff that 27 girls and a co-founder were missing.
“Our hearts are broken”
Camp Mystic has confirmed the deaths of 27 campers and counsellors in a statement on its website:
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.”
The camp also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from first responders and the community.
It is still unclear how many of the 27 confirmed dead were children. Some media outlets have also confirmed the death of longtime camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland, who is said to have died after helping rescue campers from the rising water.
700 children were at the camp
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick previously told reporters that approximately 700 children were in residence at Camp Mystic when the flash flooding struck early on July 4. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Guadalupe River surged nearly 30 feet in less than an hour as torrential rain overwhelmed the region.
Signs of hope: forecast improves
After days of intense rainfall and rising waters, Monday is expected to bring some relief to search crews.
Forecasts call for drier conditions in central Texas, though a few isolated showers remain possible in the afternoon (CNN).