Death Toll Rises, Camp Mourns, and Emergency Response Under Scrutiny

The number of fatalities from flash flooding in central Texas has climbed to 87, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued on Monday. Authorities are working tirelessly to locate the missing.

Camp Mystic, a long-standing all-girls Christian summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, is mourning the loss of at least 27 campers and counselors. The tragedy unfolded following intense rainfall that triggered multiple flash floods across central Texas on Friday and Saturday.

As of Monday morning, ten girls and one counselor from the camp remained missing, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. Sheriff Leitha also reported that 48 adults and 27 children were confirmed dead in Kerr County due to the flooding, with many of the deceased awaiting identification.

In addition to Kerr County, four other counties in central Texas have reported a combined total of 12 deaths, including several children. The camp expressed their sorrow in a statement, stating their hearts were broken and they were constantly praying for the affected families.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that President Donald Trump had approved federal disaster assistance, providing crucial federal resources to Texas. Meanwhile, criticism has arisen regarding the National Weather Service's handling of the emergency, with some local officials and residents citing late or inadequate flood warnings. Further heavy rainfall is anticipated in the coming days, potentially increasing the risk of additional flooding in certain areas of the state.