A biblical-scale disaster is unfolding in Texas, as the official death toll from the deadly floods that swept through the area over the July 4th weekend has reached 82.
Among the victims are at least 28 children — many of whom were staying at Camp Mystic in Kerr County.
Authorities have confirmed that ten girls and one counselor from the camp are still missing.
The water, which in some areas rose nearly 8 meters (26 feet) in less than two hours, swept away everything in its path.
“Saving the Girls”
Amid this unspeakable tragedy, a powerful story of sacrifice has emerged: the owner of Camp Mystic, Dick Eastland, met a tragic end while trying to save children from the raging waters.
His grandson, George Eastland, wrote on Instagram: “If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, then this was the only way — saving the girls he loved and cared for so deeply.”
Camp staff member Glenn Junke confirmed to CNN that Eastland “remained a hero until the very end. He died trying to save children.”
“We keep circling back” – Rescue efforts by air and land
Since July 4th, helicopters from the National Guard, state, and federal agencies have been sweeping across the Texas Hill Country in search of survivors. A rescuer told CNN: “This is the most important mission of my life. We keep circling back, nonstop. This is our home.”
At the same time, ground teams are rescuing people with trucks, without lights or cameras. “Don’t underestimate the courage of those working on the ground,” he added.
Residents continue to flee their homes as more rainfall is expected. On Sunday afternoon, authorities in the community of Hunt in Kerr County urged residents to move to higher ground.
But the question remains: Why weren’t residents warned in time? The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts for “life-threatening flooding,” but it’s unclear how many people actually received them. Additionally, staffing shortages have been reported at forecasting offices.
It has also come to light that Kerr County had considered a plan to install early warning sirens — but it was never implemented.
Self-reflection begins, but anger is rising
Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice stated on Sunday that a full review of actions and alert systems will take place. “We owe that commitment to the families who are suffering,” he said.
Where the deaths occurred
The official death toll by county as of Sunday evening:
68 in Kerr County
6 in Travis County
3 in Burnet County
2 in Kendall County
2 in Williamson County
1 in Tom Green County
In the Ingram area, about 10 kilometers west of Kerrville, authorities warn that water levels in the Guadalupe River are rising again. The threat is not over.
A state is mourning. A nation is searching for answers. And dozens of families are still waiting for a miracle in the mud.
