Faith and search persist after deadly Texas floods
Rescue teams are racing against time in Central Texas after violent floods left a trail of destruction and heartbreak across multiple counties, claiming more than 80 lives.
Rising river waters and powerful storms devastated Central Texas over the weekend, killing at least 82 people and leaving 41 more unaccounted for, including children and a counselor at a historic summer camp, The Christian Post reported.
The flooding began when torrential rainstorms swept across the region starting Friday, causing rivers to swell rapidly and forcing entire communities into crisis mode. Particularly hard hit was Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River surged roughly 25 feet above normal levels.
Camp Mystic Among Hardest-Hit Locations
Among the tragedy’s focal points is Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls that sits along the Guadalupe River. The camp, set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, was overwhelmed by fast-rising waters.
According to officials, 68 bodies have been recovered in Kerr County alone, with 28 of those confirmed to be children. The lost include ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, where muddy grounds and broken cabins now mark what was once a place of joy and tradition.
Families, many with generations-long ties to the camp, visited the site on Sunday morning. They searched through soaked mattresses, mud-covered trunks, and shattered memories, clinging to any personal items that remained intact.
Emotional Toll Deepens as Search Intensifies
“It brings me to my knees,” said Kim Barnes, one of many former campers who returned to witness the devastation. Shelby Patterson also expressed sorrow, mourning the losses and the painful uncertainty that remains.
Lauren Garcia described Camp Mystic as her “favorite place in the entire world,” a sentiment shared by others whose lives have been shaped by their time there. The camp holds historical significance, having hosted family members of political figures like Lyndon B. Johnson and Laura Bush.
Across Texas, more than 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are engaged in ongoing rescue operations. Helicopters, boats, drones and dive teams are being used as they navigate a hazardous landscape littered with debris, unstable structures, and dangerous wildlife such as water moccasins.
Efforts Hindered by Weather and Conditions
With the ground already saturated, forecasts predicting more rainfall in the coming days have led officials to issue fresh warnings for flash floods. Governor Greg Abbott urged residents to remain on alert and avoid flooded areas.
Colonel Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that many of the deceased remain unidentified. To assist in identifying the victims, Texas Rangers are collecting DNA samples from families and sending them to a specialized lab at the University of North Texas in Denton.
Martin said the recovery efforts have shifted focus to bringing closure to grieving families, emphasizing the importance of identifying every missing individual. “We have some unidentified individuals at the funeral home, adults and juveniles,” he said.
Federal Aid and Leadership Respond to Crisis
President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Texas, unlocking federal emergency resources and financial assistance for affected areas. That declaration has enabled stronger coordination between state and federal response teams.
Leadership from the Texas National Guard, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the Lower Colorado River Authority are steering the emergency response. General Seltzer, Chief Nim Kidd, and Phil Wilson are working alongside rescue crews in a united effort to bring relief and recovery to communities across the state.
Sheriff Larry Leitha, whose deputies have recovered dozens of bodies in Kerr County, vowed that the search will not stop "until everybody is found.” That commitment has resonated with many families still holding onto hope.
Faith Office Offers Words of Comfort
The White House Faith Office issued a statement urging Americans to pray for those affected. “Amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing. May God wrap his loving arms around all those in Texas,” the statement read.
The statement also quoted Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit,” offering a measure of solace as communities across Texas mourn their losses.
The appeal for prayer and unity has been echoed in churches and communities throughout the region. Many residents are leaning on their faith as they face the slow and daunting path to recovery.
