Texas Hill Country Floods Kill 13, 20 Girls Missing

In Texas Hill Country, a sudden and intense downpour led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving more than 20 girls from a summer camp unaccounted for. The heavy rain, which amounted to at least 10 inches overnight, caused flash flooding of the Guadalupe River, prompting desperate searches and rescues by emergency teams. The situation was exacerbated by the lack of an effective warning system, as local officials admitted they were caught off guard by the severity of the flood.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reported that between 6 and 10 bodies had been recovered, while Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed a total of 13 deaths. The identities of many victims remained unknown, adding to the chaos and uncertainty. Families and friends took to social media, pleading for information about their loved ones caught in the flood zone. Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in the county, echoed the sentiment, stating that authorities were still working to identify the deceased.

One family's harrowing experience highlighted the suddenness and ferocity of the flood. Erin Burgess, whose home is near the river, described waking up to heavy rain that quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. Within minutes, water was rushing through her home, forcing her and her family to cling to a tree for safety. Her 19-year-old son's height was credited with saving them as they waited for the water to recede enough to reach higher ground.

The Texas Hill Country, known for its scenic beauty and popular summer getaways, is no stranger to flash flooding. However, the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, which recorded a 22-foot increase in just two hours, caught many off guard. The river's gauge failed after reaching 29.5 feet, indicating the severity of the flood. Areas downstream, including Comfort in Kendall County, were also braced for flooding as the rapid waters continued to move downstream.

The situation was further complicated by the missing girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls. The camp reported catastrophic flooding, and parents were directly contacted about their daughters' whereabouts. Two other camps in the area, Camp Waldemar and Camp La Junta, reported that all their campers were safe. The Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured that the state was providing resources to the affected communities, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt.

Meanwhile, severe weather in central New Jersey resulted in at least three deaths. Two men in Plainfield died when a tree fell onto their vehicle during a thunderstorm. The city's mayor, Adrian O. Mapp, expressed his condolences and canceled the planned July Fourth celebrations due to the widespread damage and power outages caused by the storms. The community was urged to focus on recovery efforts as they dealt with the aftermath of the devastating weather.