Texas Floods Kill 27 Camp Mystic Girls, Leave Dozens Missing

During the catastrophic July 4 flash floods at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, at least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives, with many more missing amid one of the deadliest floods in recent Texas history. Two 19-year-old Mexican counselors, Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate, were recognized for their heroism in rescuing around 20 trapped girls by keeping them calm, organizing evacuations, and leading them to safety despite the rapidly rising waters. Survivors, including a family with three daughters, recounted harrowing experiences of being trapped in cabins as waters surged, with some counselors breaking windows to facilitate escapes and others helping children swim to higher ground. The camp nurse, Devon Williams, provided critical medical and emotional support during the evacuation and later shared insights into the resilience of staff and campers amid the tragedy. Families and the community grieve deeply while search and rescue efforts continue, supported by local and state authorities, as the camp mourns and prays for those affected. The heroism and quick thinking of camp staff and counselors played a vital role in saving numerous lives during the disaster.