Heavy July 4th rainfall turned Independence Day celebrations tragic in Central Texas as waters rose rapidly, claiming over 90 lives and leaving communities reeling. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock across 12 counties, marking the state’s deadliest flood disaster in decades.
Along the banks of the surging Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic—a Christian summer camp—transformed from a place of refuge into a scene of heartache. Girls at the camp were swept away when the river overflowed, and dozens remain unaccounted for.
Residents from Kerrville to neighboring towns have rallied in solidarity, offering shelter, supplies, and support to survivors and first responders. Local officials emphasize that the scale of destruction has overwhelmed resources, prompting emergency declarations and requests for federal assistance.
In Kerrville, CGTN’s Nitza Soledad Perez met a survivor who described the suddenness of the flash flood: the torrent rose within minutes, turning calm riverbanks into dangerous rapids. Her story underscores the unpredictable power of nature—and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and rapid response systems.
As search efforts continue, communities are preparing for a long road to recovery. From coordinating medical aid to restoring critical bridges and roads, the focus remains on saving lives and rebuilding stronger, safer towns across Central Texas.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
