Tragic Flash Floods in Central Texas Claim Lives of Campers

News Summary

A catastrophic flash flood in Central Texas has resulted in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors, with many missing. Among the survivors is an 11-year-old from San Diego, who recounted the harrowing experience at Camp La Junta. The flooding swelled the Guadalupe River, leading to emergency evacuations as rescue efforts continue amidst grief and destruction in the community. Local officials call for improvements in weather forecasting and preparedness as the search for the missing continues.

San Diego

In a devastating incident that unfolded in Central Texas early Friday morning, flash floods have claimed the lives of 27 campers and counselors, with multiple others reported missing. Among the survivors is 11-year-old Kaelan Kubena from San Diego, who attended Camp La Junta, a site now looking to recover from the effects of severe flooding that impacted approximately 400 campers.

The intense storm caused the Guadalupe River to swell nearly 30 feet in less than two hours, resulting in significant destruction. Camp La Junta, situated about five miles north of Camp Mystic—where many girls are still unaccounted for—found itself in a precarious situation as floodwaters rapidly encroached upon the campgrounds. As campers and counselors struggled with the elements, reports indicated that the heavy rains kept many of the boys at Kaelan’s cabin awake through the night with relentless thunder echoing in the background.

Around 4 a.m., as conditions worsened, camp counselors initiated an emergency evacuation of Kaelan’s cabin, moving the campers to higher ground in response to the escalating flood danger. Kaelan recalled witnessing the scene outside, noting that it appeared like “an ocean out there,” a sobering realization of the crisis they were facing. Counselors courageously swam back to assist younger campers stranded in flooded cabins, actively working to save lives amid the chaos.

Following the receding of floodwaters, Kaelan’s group was evacuated safely. As they awaited rescue, the situation remained grave for many others. Kaelan expressed his relief to be reunited with his family, but concern lingered for his friends still in danger. One of his friend’s sisters was rescued, yet another friend’s relative remains missing, highlighting the continuing uncertainty for families affected by the tragedy.

Camp Mystic, located nearby, experienced extensive damage, with images of flooded cabins and bedding muddied by the storm surfacing from the aftermath. With at least 82 flood-related fatalities reported across Central Texas, the local community stands united in grief, mourning the loss of lives during this disaster.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in response to the catastrophic flooding, as rescue teams continue their search for the missing. Over 850 rescues have been documented in the region, with 167 of those conducted by helicopter and emergency responders tirelessly working to locate individuals unaccounted for post-flood. Local officials have expressed their concerns regarding the effectiveness of early weather warnings in light of the tragedy and the swift changes in weather conditions experienced before the storm broke.

As the community begins the process of healing, Camp Mystic has requested privacy and respect for the families of those affected by this tragic event. The ongoing search and recovery operations serve as a testament to the resilience and commitment of both rescuers and the broader community while highlighting the urgent need for improvements in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness to prevent such devastating losses in the future.

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Additional Resources

• The New York Times
• Wikipedia: Flood
• NBC San Diego
• Google Search: Texas floods
• News Nation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
• NBC News
• Google News: Texas flooding