Texas flooding death toll surpasses 100 as Camp Mystic campers, counselor remain missing
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that additional state emergency response resources have been activated, as he vowed that "Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster."
"The State of Texas is working around the clock to support emergency management personnel and local officials as they continue recovery and rescue operations across the state," Abbott said in an update.
"There is still a threat of heavy rain with the potential to cause flooding in the Central Texas, Hill Country, Big Country, and Concho Valley regions," he continued. "Texans are urged to remain weather aware, heed the guidance of local officials, and regularly monitor weather forecasts. Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster."
Under the governor's direction, the Texas State Operations Center
remains at a Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for assistance from local officials as they continue to respond to the rainfall and flooding that is still impacting the state.
The state has deployed more than 1,750 personnel and more than 975 vehicles and equipment assets to respond to the flooding, the governor's office said. More than 20 state agencies are responding to flooding threats across the state.
State emergency response resources that remain available to support local emergency response efforts include the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard, as well as at least 15 others.
As countless children flock to summer camps around the country to enjoy the outdoors while school is out, the wholly American tradition has not existed without a history of tragic horror stories leaving families grieving the unimaginable.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, 27 children and counselors were killed after a flash flood swept through Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, the all-girls Christian camp said Monday morning. Ten campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for as authorities race to search the receding floodwaters of the Guadalupe River.
The devastating events unfolding at Camp Mystic are the most recent in a long line of tragedies striking summer camps throughout the country, with parents sending their children off with the expectation that the only phone call home will be due to homesickness.
"This tragic event ranks among the most severe flooding disasters in recent camp history, and its scale has deeply shaken the camp community," American Camp Association CEO Henry DeHart said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Camps across the country work tirelessly to provide safe, enriching experiences, and our focus remains on supporting those affected during this incredibly difficult time."
The scene
at Camp Mystic is eerily reminiscent of a 1987 tragedy that stemmed from the same river that continues to claim the lives of campgoers after this weekend's floods.
Nearly four decades ago, over 300 children were attending summer camp at the Pot O' Gold Ranch, located approximately two miles southwest of Comfort, Texas, when severe thunderstorms moved into the area, according to the National Weather Service.
A total of 39 teenagers and four adults were carried away by floodwaters, with 10 of the teens drowning, according to NWS. The remaining survivors were subsequently rescued — some by helicopter — and taken to safety.
In June 2015, a 13-year-old camper died after floodwaters ravaged a Boy Scout troop's New Mexico campsite as the children slept, according to the Associated Press.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday that his state sent a team to Texas to support search efforts amid the devastating flooding in the Lone Star State.
"This Louisiana crew is off to Texas to assist with search efforts after the tragic flood," Landry wrote on X, accompanied by a picture of the team sent to Texas.
"There are 14 Louisiana Swift Water Rescue personnel total with equipment. GOHSEP remains in contact with Texas to see how else Louisiana can support," he continued, referring to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The governor added: "Please continue to pray for all those affected and our great neighbors in Texas."
The Houston Astros organization pledged $1 million to aid with relief efforts.
"The Houston Astros organization announces they are committing $1 million to support relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend," the announcement noted.
"The Astros will support immediate relief efforts and needs of our neighbors in Central Texas in the short term, along with supporting long-term efforts around one of the core pillars of the Astros Foundation - youth initiatives. Beyond the initial investment, the Astros Foundation will launch a fan-based initiative to mobilize our passionate fan base. Together, we will provide resources to ensure our Central Texas neighbors have the sustained support they need to rebuild and recover."
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted three heart emojis when he shared a post about the announcement.
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