“Catastrophic Flash Floods Devastate Central Texas, Leaving 104 Dead”
Tragedy struck Central Texas on July 4, as catastrophic flash floods swept through the region, claiming at least 104 lives. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge by over 26 feet in just 45 minutes, unleashing devastation across multiple counties. One of the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp, where 27 campers and counselors perished, and 11 remain missing. Survivors recount scenes of utter chaos—collapsed cabins, swift currents, and helicopters scrambling to rescue those caught in the storm’s fury.
Among the victims was 21-year-old Joyce Catherine Badon. Before her phone went silent, Joyce sent a chilling text to her parents, saying: “We’re being washed away.” Her body was found days later, a tragic reminder of the disaster’s ferocity.
County Death Toll: Kerr County Among the Hardest Hit
Kerr County, which bore the brunt of the floods, reported the highest number of fatalities, with 84 confirmed dead. Other affected counties include Travis (7), Kendall (6), Burnet (4), Williamson (2), and Tom Green (1).
In response to the crisis, Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency. Search teams continue to comb through debris with the help of drones and search dogs, working tirelessly to find those still missing. The death toll is expected to rise as floodwaters begin to recede.
Honoring the Victims and Supporting the Survivors
Among the victims were children as young as eight years old. In the wake of this unprecedented tragedy, communities across Texas have rallied together—holding vigils, offering support, and sending aid to those affected. The collective grief is matched only by the overwhelming spirit of solidarity for survivors of this historic disaster.
