Texas Flooding Death Toll Climbs to 70

Severe flooding across Texas, particularly in West Texas, the Hill Country, and Houston, has caused at least 70 fatalities, including 21 children, with dozens still missing, especially among campers and staff at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. The Guadalupe River rose 20 feet above flood stage after nearly a foot of rain fell over the Independence Day weekend, destroying homes and vehicles. Hundreds of first responders and the U.S. Coast Guard are conducting large-scale search and rescue operations. Camp Mystic's co-owner, Dick Eastland, died while attempting to save campers. Flash flood warnings remain in effect, and officials urge residents to evacuate flood-prone areas and avoid driving through flooded roads, as many deaths have occurred in vehicles. The disaster underscores the urgent need for improved flood resilience and community preparedness across Texas.