Texas rancher fights back tears as he describes flooded town's 'unbelievable' devastation as death toll climbs to 50

Daily Mail​

14 hours ago

A Texas rancher held back tears as he revealed the overwhelming destruction caused by a monstrous flash flood that swept through communities across the state on Friday.
The resident of Hunt - whose family has called the area home for over a century -reflected on the many 'good times' he's experienced in the close-knit Southern town, now left in ruins by the extreme weather event that claimed at least 50 lives, including 15 children from a local summer camp.
'This very well may be the worst flood Hunt has ever seen,' he said. 'The devastation is unbelievable. How these kids survived, in any of these camps along the river, is nothing short of a miracle.'
As of Saturday afternoon, the death toll has risen to 50, with 27 children from Camp Mystic - a summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River - still missing, CNN reported.
Overcome with emotion, the proud Texan explained that he grew up in the area, with many of his best memories now reduced to debris.
'I grew up with this store,' he explained, standing in front of what was left of his property.
'I've danced here, I've been here. Sat by the fireplace in a rocking chair and drank a beer. The devastation… there are just no words that I can say that describe what I'm seeing.'
He went on to describe how the water rose, leveling his beloved home.
'My ranch - it was completely underwater. The water got that high,' he said, shaking his head in utter disappointment.
'Just unbelievable,' he added.
At least 50 people have died after the Guadalupe River surged 30 feet above its normal height, devastating children's summer camps and ripping apart families.
Harrowing images have emerged showing the remains of the summer camp where at least three campers lost their lives after it was deluged by deadly flood waters.
Dozens more people, including other campers, are still missing.
Among those confirmed dead are 15 children, including the three young girls who were attending Camp Mystic.
The girls' sodden beds and belongings were seen covered in river water following the decimation
Renee Smajstrla, eight, Janie Hunt, nine, and Sarah Marsh all perished when Camp Mystic in Hunt was washed away by the flood waters.
Among the other confirmed dead are: Jeff Ramsey and Jane Ragsdale, the director of Heart O' the Hills, another nearby summer camp. And 850 people have been rescued by authorities.
Heartbreaking pictures show how the side of the summer camp has been completely wrenched away by the floods.
Inside, the sodden beds and blankets of the campers can be seen covered in a thick sludge. Belongings such as bags and clothing are also seen strewn across the floor.
Another build saw its roof sag over the ruined building and pieces of jagged wood splintered underneath it.
Search and rescue efforts remain the top priority in central Texas, according to Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, as crews continue to search for the missing along the Guadalupe River.
'We're really focused on life safety,' Rice said. 'Our primary focus is on the search and rescue of every single person involved, and we'll continue through the night to make sure that happens.'
He noted that recovery operations were also underway Saturday, with authorities working to identify victims.
'We knew today was going to be that day, so our numbers are going to constantly be changing,' he said.
'We're in a marathon,' Rice added. 'And we've got to make sure we always keep that in mind - and look after each other.'