Tragedy at Camp Mystic: Texas Flash Floods Leave a Community Shattered
I still can’t believe what’s happening in Texas right now. The magnitude of these floods—it’s like something out of a nightmare. Central Texas has been hit by catastrophic flash flooding, with Kerr County bearing the brunt of the destruction. The numbers alone are staggering—at least 82 lives have been lost, and dozens are still missing. But behind every number is a family, a story, and a heartbreak.
Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River, was completely swept up in the disaster. That river, which usually brings so much joy and serenity to the camp, surged more than 20 feet in under two hours early on the Fourth of July. Ten young girls and one counselor from the camp are still unaccounted for, and the search continues with urgency and desperation. Over 400 rescue personnel from more than 20 agencies have joined forces in Kerr County—on the ground, in the air, and on the water. Black Hawk helicopters, K9 units, and even military drones are scouring the region, hoping for miracles.
What’s heartbreaking is how sudden and overwhelming the storm was. It dropped the equivalent of four months’ worth of rain in just a few hours. There was no time to prepare. Many of the girls at Camp Mystic were asleep when the floodwaters surged into their cabins. One night security guard, Glenn Juenke, is now being hailed as a hero—he managed to save several girls by placing them on mattresses to ride out the flood. But even with acts of bravery like his, not everyone made it.
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The stories coming out of Kerr County are raw and devastating. Haley Lehrmann, co-owner of the Hunt Store, shared how she’s been crying nonstop since losing friends and seeing the heart of her community torn apart. Her store was more than a business—it was a gathering place, now buried in mud and debris. Nearby, the devastation is visible everywhere: kayaks lodged in tree branches, entire trees ripped from the ground, cabins unrecognizable.
Cassie Hyde, media coordinator for Camp Mystic, broke down while remembering Dick Eastland, the camp’s longtime director. He died trying to rescue campers. Her words echoed the sentiment of so many: “Camp Mystic was a second home… a sacred place… and now, it’s gone.”
The threat isn’t over, either. More rain is expected in the coming days. Authorities are warning residents to stay vigilant and take all flood alerts seriously. Some areas of the Hill Country could see another 10 inches of rain. That’s terrifying, especially when communications are already strained and first responders are working without full connectivity. Volunteer groups like the United Cajun Navy have stepped in, equipping vehicles with satellite gear just to maintain contact in the field.
This disaster has shown the best and worst of nature—the sheer, uncontrollable power of a flash flood, and the unwavering courage of communities pulling together. While the heartbreak is unbearable, the resolve of those still searching, rescuing, and helping offers a glimmer of hope.
If there’s anything we take from this, it’s that the warnings must be heeded. Floodwaters don’t discriminate. They sweep in fast, without mercy. We owe it to the victims, the survivors, and the heroes on the ground to stay alert, stay safe, and support however we can.
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