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Deadly Flash Flood Kills 136 in Chaotic Central Texas Rescue Effort
8 Aug
Summary
- Floodwaters rise rapidly, trapping campers and residents in the middle of the night
- Lack of emergency coordination hampers rescue efforts in the early hours
- Death toll includes over 25 children and counselors at a summer camp
In the early hours of July 4, a devastating flash flood struck the Texas Hill Country, claiming the lives of at least 136 people, including over 25 children and counselors at a summer camp. The chaotic rescue effort was hampered by a lack of emergency coordination, as top officials were either asleep or out of town when the disaster unfolded.
The floodwaters rose rapidly, trapping campers and residents in their homes and vehicles. Frantic calls came in from people on rooftops, in attics, and clinging to trees, but rescuers had little guidance on where to focus their efforts. Volunteer firefighters and law enforcement officers responded to the crisis, but without a centralized command center, they struggled to direct resources effectively.
As daylight broke, the full scope of the disaster became clear. Rescuers scanned the swollen Guadalupe River, spotting survivors in backyards and trees, but many were unable to reach them. The death toll continued to climb in the following days, with three people still missing. Residents and families of victims have questioned why they received no warning of the impending flood, as the county's emergency alert system had not been updated.
