Camp Mystic confirms 27 dead in devastating Texas floods: ‘Our hearts are broken’

At least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic in Texas died in devastating flash floods that swept through the region, the camp said Monday. Rescuers in the US state of Texas on Monday searched for bodies swept away by flash floods that killed more than 80 people.

"Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding," the camp said in a statement. "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy."

Camp officials said they’ve been in contact with local and state authorities “who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.”


Texas was hit by 'catastrophic' flood over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and forecasters warned that thunderstorms threatened more flooding over saturated ground.

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The camp expressed gratitude for the support it's received from people in the wake of the devastating floods. "We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected," the camp said. "May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us."

At least 40 adults and 28 children were killed in the worst-hit Kerr County in central Texas, Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday, while at least 13 more people were killed by flooding in nearby areas. The death toll is expected to rise.

US President Donald Trump said he may visit Texas later this week, but brushed off concerns his cuts to weather forecasting and related federal agencies had weakened warning systems.

Instead, he described the floods in the early hours of Friday as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected."

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More rainfall expected in Texas

More storms are expected in the region over the next 24-48 hours with flood alerts in place until at least Monday evening. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that more heavy rainfall could bring further flooding in Kerrville and surrounding areas, as officials cautioned people against going near still-raging rivers.

Months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours on Thursday night into Friday, and rain has continued in bouts since then.

The Guadalupe surged around 26 feet (eight meters) -- more than a two-story building -- in just 45 minutes.

Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual in this region of south and central Texas, known colloquially as "Flash Flood Alley."

(With agency inputs)