Nearly 20 girls are reported missing following a devastating flood that claimed the lives of at least 13 people and destroyed a summer camp for Christian girls in Texas. This news has left families anxiously awaiting updates from search and rescue teams.
After heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River in Kerr County to overflow, around 23 girls remained unaccounted for after the flood washed away the cabins and buildings at Camp Mystic on Thursday night.
Most of the campers, aged between seven and seventeen, were evacuated, but some, unfortunately, were left behind.
The Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in just an hour and a half, as reported by the National Weather Service.
The death toll in Kerr County had reached at least 13 by Friday, though it remains unclear if any of the missing girls are among those lost.
Camp Mystic had informed parents that they should assume their daughters were safe if they had not received direct communication, but authorities cautioned against jumping to conclusions.
“That doesn’t mean they’re lost,” Texas Lt. Colonel Dan Patrick stated at a press conference. “They could be in a tree or out of communication. We pray that all the missing can be found alive.”
So far, several campers have been confirmed missing.
Hadley Hannah, 8
Hadley Hannah’s parents shared that their eight-year-old daughter is among those unaccounted for, and they hurried to search for her from their home in Dallas.
Rainey Landry, 9
The mother of nine-year-old Rainey described her missing daughter as “brave and sweet,” as she reached out for help in finding her.
Eloise Peck
Eloise, hailing from Dallas, was in the same cabin as friends now reported missing.
Lila Bonner
Lila, also from Dallas, was seen smiling in past photos with her now-missing friend, Eloise.
Renee Smajstrla
Young Renee was in the same cabin with Eloise and Lila. Her parents confirmed she is one of those still missing.
Johnny Hunt
Johnny’s heartbroken mother emphasized that they are just praying for her daughter’s safe return.
Kellyanne Lytal
Kellyanne Lytal is another camper who has yet to be found following the flooding.
Virginia Hollis
Virginia has also been confirmed as missing after the camp was decimated by the floods.
Greta Tanzo
Greta, a student at Sinclair Elementary School in Houston, is among the missing campers as well.
