At least 82 lives have been tragically lost in central Texas following devastating flash floods that struck the region in the early hours of July 4th. As search and rescue operations continue, authorities are racing against time to locate multiple individuals who remain unaccounted for. The torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, rising over 26 feet in some areas and unleashing destruction across several counties, particularly Kerr County, which has been hit hardest.

Survivors are recounting harrowing tales of escape, with many children from a Christian summer camp still missing. Eyewitnesses describe the chaos as they guided young campers to safety amid the rising waters. “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” one survivor recalled, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing rescue efforts.

As the death toll rises, local officials are under scrutiny for the effectiveness of their alert systems, with promises of a thorough review to enhance future preparedness. Meanwhile, ominous weather forecasts predict additional rainfall through Tuesday, raising fears of further flooding in an already saturated landscape.

President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster in Kerr County, unlocking federal resources to assist in recovery efforts. Hundreds of volunteers are joining the search, utilizing helicopters and divers to comb through devastated areas. As the sun rises over the Lone Star State, the community is grappling with the reality of this unprecedented disaster, while families cling to hope for their missing loved ones.