Texas Floods Kill 131, Spur Safety Investigation

The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Texas Hill Country has risen to at least 131, with nearly a hundred people still missing, many from the Kerrville area near the Guadalupe River. Over two dozen campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Hunt, died after floodwaters surged through the site before dawn on July 4. Camp co-owner Richard Eastland died while trying to save campers, and evacuations reportedly began more than 45 minutes after a standard weather alert. The Guadalupe River rose over a foot in less than an hour, surprising residents and officials in the region known as 'flash flood alley.' Ongoing storms have hindered recovery and search operations, with authorities pausing efforts due to renewed flood threats. In response, Governor Greg Abbott has called a special legislative session to investigate the disaster and review emergency response protocols.