Torrential rains led the Guadalupe River to surge over 20 feet in under two hours late Thursday, creating deadly flash floods that devastated Camp Mystic, a girls’ Christian camp in Kerr County, Texas.

At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, 23 girls between ages 7 and 17 remain missing, and search efforts are ongoing following catastrophic flooding that swept through the riverside camp from July 3 to July 4, the New York Post reported.

The rapid rise of the river began late Thursday night, when heavy rainfall hit the central Texas region with little warning. According to the National Weather Service, the Guadalupe River rose over 20 feet in just 90 minutes—an extreme event not seen since 1987.

Floodwaters surged through Hunt, Texas, overwhelming riverside areas including Camp Mystic, a religious summer camp that was hosting dozens of young girls from across the state. While most campers and staff were able to evacuate, some children were caught in the onrush of water and are still unaccounted for.

As of Friday evening, authorities confirmed that 23 girls remain missing, and the overall death toll in Kerr County alone stands at 13 people. The statewide death toll related to the flooding has risen to at least 24 as officials continue rescue and recovery operations.

Officials Urge Caution and Hope as Search Continues

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick addressed media concerns on Friday, noting that those considered missing may still be alive, though difficult to locate in such chaotic conditions. "That does not mean they’ve been lost," Patrick said. "They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication."

Camp Mystic, located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, is a well-known summer destination for girls between the ages of 7 and 17. Parents of those campers were told that unless they had been specifically contacted by the camp, they should assume their daughters had been safely evacuated.

Despite that guidance, several families were left anxiously waiting for updates on their loved ones. Emergency responders from across the region have joined local teams, searching the area by boat, on foot, and by air for signs of the missing children.

Several Identified Among the Missing

Family members and authorities have named several of the missing girls, including multiple campers from Dallas and Houston. Eight-year-old Hadley Hanna and nine-year-old Lainey Landry are among the missing. Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, both from Dallas, were reported last seen together at the camp.

Renee Smajstrla was in the same cabin as both Lila and Eloise. Other girls identified as currently missing include Janie Hunt, Kellyanne Lytal, Virginia Hollis, and Greta Toranzo, a student at Sinclair Elementary School in Houston.

Speaking to CNN, the mother of Lainey Landry described her daughter as both "brave and sweet." Janie Hunt's mother offered only a few words: "We are just praying."

Historical Scope of the Flooding Event

Officials say the flooding event’s speed and force were unprecedented in recent memory. While Hunt and broader Kerr County have experienced river flooding in the past, the sudden 20-foot surge in less than two hours caught many off guard, even veterans of storm response.

This is the most severe flooding in the area since 1987, prompting comparisons to previous natural disasters that reshaped local emergency preparedness. The convergence of a holiday weekend and overnight conditions made the impact even more dangerous.

Local infrastructure was pushed to its limits as emergency communication systems were overwhelmed and roadways turned into unpassable rivers. Temporary shelters have been established nearby for displaced families and evacuees.

Search and Rescue Response Intensifies

As daylight returned on Friday, dozens of search and rescue teams intensified efforts across the flooded landscape. Boats combed the swollen riverbanks while helicopters scanned treetops and rooftops for any signs of stranded campers or residents.

Lt. Gov. Patrick reiterated the need for patience and optimism in the face of ongoing uncertainty. "We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive," he said Friday morning. Search crews echoed that hope, noting that high water may have herded survivors to places where they were simply unable to communicate.

While some areas remain inaccessible due to lingering floodwaters, digital tools such as GPS tracking and phone pings have helped identify areas where some of the missing were last located, guiding teams to potential rescue zones.

Community, Faith, and Resilience Amid Tragedy

Camp Mystic, known for its emphasis on faith and community, had welcomed girls from all over the state for decades. In the wake of the disaster, many local churches and religious organizations have extended support through prayer services, vigils, and donations.

Families are leaning on one another during an agonizing wait. Despite uncertainty, many hold onto hope that the girls may still be safe. “They could be in places where it's hard to reach,” officials reminded, underscoring the complexity of the search efforts.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any of the missing campers are among the currently known fatalities, holding off until identification processes are complete. In the meantime, families, volunteers, and first responders continue working together in the hope of bringing more children safely home.