A devastating flash flood has swept through South Central Texas, claiming at least 24 lives and leaving more than 20 girls from a summer camp unaccounted for. The catastrophe struck in the early hours, catching residents off guard as a month’s worth of rain fell in mere hours, transforming the Guadalupe River into a raging torrent nearly 8 meters above normal levels.

Rescue teams, equipped with boats, divers, and helicopters, are racing against time to locate the missing campers from Camp Mystic, where approximately 700 girls were present during the disaster. Eyewitness accounts reveal that many were still asleep when the floodwaters surged, leaving families in anguish as they await news of their loved ones. “We didn’t know this flood was coming,” one resident lamented, highlighting the unexpected nature of this calamity.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster, mobilizing all available resources to aid in the rescue efforts. “We will stop at nothing to ensure every last person is accounted for,” he vowed, as communities brace for the possibility of further flooding with more storms forecasted in the coming days.

The National Weather Service has issued dire warnings, advising residents to seek higher ground as the situation remains precarious. The terrain of the Texas Hill Country, known for its hilly landscape, has complicated rescue operations, making it difficult for teams to navigate the flooded areas.

As families gather at designated reunification centers, the urgency of the search intensifies. The heartbreak of uncertainty looms large, with parents praying for the safe return of their daughters. Rescue efforts continue, but the clock is ticking in this race against nature’s fury.