These slow-moving storms have caused at least 82 deaths in Texas from catastrophic flash floods. Now the state is facing a slow and painful recovery from the widespread devastation wrought by this unprecedented disaster. The tragedy that began on Friday has hugely affected Kerr County. As of last Friday, Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that rescuers had found at least 68 corpses scattered across the Hill Country. As awful as things were even in that August, it got worse over the weekend. In response, former President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday.
Kerr County was one of the counties that reported storm-related fatalities. At least 10 other deaths occurred in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties. Residents are just beginning to take stock of the damage. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that additional record heavy rains are a possibility through Tuesday. The Guadalupe River in central Texas rose an astounding 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes late Friday. This meteoric boom exacerbated an already worsening flooding epidemic.
The floods are gone, but their impact has left Kerr County residents with an ongoing disaster. They are digging mud off the floor in their homes and on their businesses that were completely washed away. For many witnesses like Reagan Brown, that nightmare was made real with the onset of this year’s flood. As floodwaters closed in, she and her family—like many of their neighbors—took shelter in a toolshed on elevated land.
“Then they were able to reach their toolshed up higher ground, and neighbors throughout the early morning began to show up at their toolshed, and they all rode it out together.” – Reagan Brown
Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, has acknowledged the loss of a current camper. Murphy, 27 children and counselors perished in those floods. A video surfaced showing girls from Camp Mystic being evacuated while singing hymns as they crossed a bridge over the tumultuous Guadalupe River.
Even as emergency rescue efforts are still underway, communities on Maui and elsewhere are doing their best to support each other through this traumatic period. In the wake of this tragic event, families have asked for their respect and privacy as they seek to heal and recover.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.” – Camp Mystic
As rescue efforts continue, communities are coming together to support one another during this distressing time. Families have requested respect and privacy as they navigate their grief and recovery.
“We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected.” – Camp Mystic