Texas floods kill 51, dozens still missing after camp devastation

At least 51 people, including 15 children, have died in catastrophic flash floods that tore through central Texas, as rescuers race against time to locate dozens still missing — among them, 27 girls from a summer camp hit hardest by the disaster.

The unprecedented flooding struck Kerr County before dawn on Friday, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and entire campsites, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

Most of the fatalities were reported in Kerr County, where Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river, was ravaged by a sudden wall of water. Additional deaths were confirmed in nearby counties, as heavy rain continued to batter the region.

Rescue teams have been scouring the devastated landscape using helicopters, boats, and drones. Mangled trees, overturned vehicles, and debris-laden mud now cover the flood zone. Roads remain washed out, cutting off access to some areas, while flash flood warnings continue to affect communities outside San Antonio.

More than 850 people have been rescued in the past 36 hours, according to state officials. Many were airlifted from trees or trapped in remote campgrounds. Heroic efforts by camp staff and first responders are credited with saving numerous lives.

Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state.  

By Khagan Isayev