A huge rescue operation is happening in central Texas after sudden flash floods killed at least 24 people and left many others missing. Among those missing are many children who were at a girls’ summer camp over the July 4th weekend. The flooding started without warning late Thursday night when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour. The fast-moving water swept away cars, mobile homes, and holiday cabins. Hundreds of people were caught by surprise as the normally calm area turned into a disaster zone. One of the worst-hit places was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp near Ke

A huge rescue operation is happening in central Texas after sudden flash floods killed at least 24 people and left many others missing. Among those missing are many children who were at a girls’ summer camp over the July 4th weekend. The flooding started without warning late Thursday night when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour. The fast-moving water swept away cars, mobile homes, and holiday cabins. Hundreds of people were caught by surprise as the normally calm area turned into a disaster zone. One of the worst-hit places was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp near Kerrville, about 64 miles from San Antonio. Officials said up to 25 children are still missing. The camp, which had 750 girls staying there, now has no power, water, or internet. Roads into the area have been washed away, making rescue efforts harder. Photos show bridges underwater and strong currents flowing through rural roads. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called the flood “destructive.” He said the river rose so quickly it destroyed property and took lives. Patrick asked families to stay calm, saying that some missing children might just not be able to call home. “If you haven’t heard from us, your child is accounted for,” he said. “That does not mean they are lost. They could simply be out of communication.” Rescue teams using helicopters, boats, and drones worked all night and into Friday morning to find survivors. Officials have declared a state of emergency in several counties because many roads cannot be used and phone service is down. The White House promised federal help after President Donald Trump called the disaster “shocking” and “terrible.” “This is a heartbreaking situation for so many families spending the holiday weekend together,” the president said. Emergency declarations cover much of the Hill Country and Concho Valley areas, where more rain is expected in the coming days. Authorities have warned residents to stay away from flooded areas and be ready to evacuate if river levels keep rising.

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