Death Toll Rises to 104 in Texas Flood Disaster; Girls’ Camp Among Worst Hit
The death toll from the devastating floods that swept across central Texas has climbed to at least 104, officials confirmed on Monday, as search and recovery efforts intensify amid renewed weather warnings.
Among the dead are 27 girls and counselors who were attending a summer program at Camp Mystic, a popular all-girls Christian retreat nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River. The tragedy struck during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, transforming cherished traditions into a scene of heartbreak.
Rescue teams — including helicopters, boats, trained dogs, and more than 1,750 emergency personnel — continue to comb through debris-strewn towns and riverbanks, searching for the missing and aiding displaced families.
“There is still a threat of heavy rain with the potential to cause more flooding,” said Governor Greg Abbott, urging residents to stay alert as forecasts predict further downpours on already saturated ground.
The flood, described by President Donald Trump as a “100-year catastrophe,” hit in the early hours of Friday, submerging communities with little warning. In Kerr County alone — one of the hardest-hit areas — at least 84 people, including 28 children, lost their lives.
President Trump has declared a major disaster, unlocking federal emergency funding and resources. The White House swiftly pushed back against criticism over underfunding and unfilled roles in federal weather agencies.
Trump is expected to visit the affected areas on Friday, following mounting calls for visible federal leadership. The visit comes amid scrutiny over his previous statements opposing federal disaster relief, which he had suggested should remain a state-level responsibility.
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has particularly rattled the nation. The riverside camp, which had been hosting over 750 people, was overcome by rapidly rising waters. Survivors describe scenes of panic, bravery, and loss.
“These camps are places where children make lifelong memories — and in an instant, it turned into tragedy,” said Senator Ted Cruz, who called for urgent investment in flood resilience and emergency systems.
Across the state, families continue to grieve, with dozens still unaccounted for and thousands displaced. Authorities say the full extent of the destruction — including the toll on farmlands, infrastructure, and homes — may not be known for weeks.
As Texas braces for more rain and mourns its dead, officials are calling for nationwide solidarity — and serious conversations about climate resilience, preparedness, and funding for disaster response systems.
