Families devastated as more than 20 girls go missing in Texas floods

In Texas, extensive flooding occurred on July 5, 2025, leading to a desperate search for over 20 girls missing from a Christian summer camp. The flooding, described as 'terrible' by Donald Trump, resulted from months of heavy rain that fell within hours, leading to catastrophic conditions in the Texas Hill Country. The Kerr County Sheriff reported that at least 24 people had died, and dozens of others were unaccounted for following the floods. Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River, experienced significant casualties as half of its attendees were washed away by the floodwaters. As families anxiously waited for news, they utilized social media to post photos of their missing daughters and plead for information. Rescue teams, including helicopters and boats, were deployed to find those missing or trapped within the ravaged areas, showcasing the community's resolve amid the disaster. The area was accustomed to flooding, with Camp Mystic located in a region referred to as 'flash flood alley.' However, the rapid intensity of the rainfall was unforeseen, resulting in overwhelmed infrastructure and power outages. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for prayers and emphasized the urgency of locating the missing campers. Family members reported receiving distressing phone calls from safety officials that their daughters had not been located amidst the debris and destruction left by the floods. Conditions were further complicated by damage to the camp's access roads and the lack of essential services like electricity and running water. Many rescuers worked tirelessly to navigate through debris-infested waters to search for survivors. As the search efforts continued, the circumstances surrounding this flooding highlighted broader implications for the Texas Hill Country region, known for its river tourism—a vital part of the local economy. The devastation of this disaster serves as a wake-up call for improved weather preparedness and infrastructure resilience to better protect the communities vulnerable to such sudden catastrophic weather events in the future.