Independent Report – Rescue efforts entered their third day on Sunday in Texas as authorities searched for 27 missing girls following devastating flash floods. The girls were attending Camp Mystic, a well-known summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. The Texas flood, caused by extreme rainfall on Friday, led to dangerous conditions that have so far claimed at least 43 lives.
Heavy rains, reaching up to 15 inches (38 centimeters), overwhelmed the area about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. The rapid flooding forced many people to seek safety in trees, while emergency teams worked tirelessly to rescue more than 850 individuals from the rising waters. As of now, officials have not confirmed how many people are still missing.
The tragedy has raised questions about the preparedness and response of federal agencies. Some experts have pointed to staffing cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the agency responsible for the National Weather Service. Rick Spinrad, a former NOAA director, warned that these cuts may weaken the ability to issue timely and accurate forecasts, though he could not say for certain if the staffing shortages directly impacted the flood warning for this event.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who currently oversees NOAA, acknowledged that the flood watch issued last Thursday did not anticipate the severity of the storm. She stated that efforts are underway to upgrade the forecasting system to prevent such shortcomings in the future.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has faced criticism for overseeing widespread job cuts at NOAA during his administration. Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas expressed concern on national television, emphasizing the risk posed by inadequate staffing during weather emergencies. He warned that the lack of skilled personnel to interpret data and make accurate predictions could lead to tragic consequences, especially during flash floods.
Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested a federal disaster declaration to unlock emergency aid for affected communities. Secretary Noem confirmed that the Trump administration intends to approve the request. This move comes amid broader discussions about reducing the federal government’s role in disaster response, potentially placing more responsibility on state governments.
The flood struck with little warning early Friday morning, quickly raising river levels to a staggering 29 feet (9 meters). The damage at Camp Mystic was severe. The nearly 100-year-old Christian summer camp, which had around 700 girls on-site during the disaster, was left in ruins. Inside the cabins, watermarks on the walls showed how high the water had reached — in some places, more than six feet (1.83 meters) above the floor. Personal items, mattresses, and furniture were left coated in mud, and several buildings had broken windows or were partially destroyed.
The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch for Kerr County, where the camp is located, until Sunday afternoon. More rain is expected in the coming days, adding urgency to the rescue operations. Search and rescue teams, including those using specially trained dogs, continued working throughout the weekend, navigating hazardous terrain and debris to locate the missing children.
Local authorities confirmed that at least 15 of the deceased were children, highlighting the devastating impact on families and the community. The emotional toll of the disaster is evident as families wait for news and volunteers assist with relief efforts.
The events at Camp Mystic have sparked renewed debate about the need for improved forecasting, disaster preparedness, and sufficient federal support in times of crisis. As Texas faces the potential for more severe weather, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to those affected by this catastrophic flood.
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