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A tragedy shakes the state of Texas following the disappearance of 27 girls at a Christian summer camp, devastated by catastrophic floods that have left at least 32 dead, including nine minors, according to the latest report from CNN.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Friday when the Guadalupe River rose suddenly after heavy rains, sweeping everything in its path, including cabins, vehicles, and mobile homes.
The floods particularly affected Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for girls in Kerr County, established in 1926 and located in Hunt, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, which rose more than 20 feet in less than two hours.
Authorities say that more than 25 girls are still missing. The worst news so far is that the families of three girls have confirmed their deaths.
With over 750 girls registered this season, the facility is known for its focus on spiritual and personal growth in a Christian environment.
Many of the missing girls are between eight and ten years old.
The river overflowed rapidly: the water level rose almost eight meters in just 45 minutes, such a sudden increase that the authorities could not issue evacuation orders in time.
According to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, "it was a devastating flood, taking away properties and, sadly, lives."
Rescuers worked throughout the night to save the victims of the floods. More than 850 people have been rescued or evacuated as of Saturday morning, many of them by helicopter.
27 missing girls
So far, authorities have confirmed that 27 girls remain missing following the collapse of the campsite. Most of them are under 12 years old.
In an email sent to families, the camp administration indicated that those who have not been contacted directly are part of the "uncounted" group.
Mothers and fathers have shared on social media their distress over not hearing from their daughters since early Friday morning.
Some girls were later found in good condition, but they were trapped for hours without any means of communication due to the collapse of infrastructure. The area was left without electricity, running water, or internet access. Furthermore, the entrance road was destroyed by the flood.
The Kerr County judge, Rob Kelly, acknowledged that there was no prior evacuation because "nobody knew that this flood was coming," and admitted that the region lacks an adequate warning system.
The devastation, he said, exceeded even the flooding of 1987 that claimed the lives of 10 teenagers in a similar event.
Race against time
More than 850 people have been rescued so far, including 167 by helicopter. Search operations remain active, with teams using drones, boats, and search dogs. The county sheriff, Larry Leitha, stated that "they will not stop until each of the individuals has been found."
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in several areas of central-southern Texas, including Hill Country and the Concho Valley.
The National Meteorological Service reported accumulations of over 30 centimeters of rain in just 12 hours, significantly above the initial forecasts of 20 cm.
The local community has criticized the lack of preparedness and foresight from the camp and the authorities. A mother whose daughter was found stated to the media that "they should have been aware" of the flood risk, as alerts had been issued days in advance.
Official Reaction: Trump and Kristi Noem
President Donald Trump described the tragedy as "heart-wrenching" and "terrible," and promised full federal assistance. During an appearance this Saturday, he extended his condolences to the affected families and stated that he was closely monitoring the rescue efforts.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, praised the work of local responders and stated that the federal government "is on track to provide the maximum possible support." She emphasized that local teams are essential because they are familiar with the terrain and the dynamics of the region.
For his part, Senator Ted Cruz stated that Trump is "committed to giving Texas everything it needs."
As the rains continue in the region, with new threats of downstream flooding, the priority remains to locate the missing girls and ensure that families receive answers.
Camp Mystic, a symbol of tradition and faith for generations of Texan girls, is now marked by a tragedy that has shocked the entire country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragedy in Texas and the Missing Girls
What happened at the summer camp in Texas?
At the Christian camp Camp Mystic, located by the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas, a tragedy occurred due to the sudden rise of the river caused by heavy rainfall. The flooding swept away the facilities and resulted in the disappearance of 27 girls, as well as leaving at least 32 people dead, including nine minors.
How did the authorities respond to the flooding in Texas?
The authorities in Texas, along with rescue teams, conducted intensive search and rescue operations using helicopters, drones, and boats to locate the missing individuals. A state of emergency has been declared in several affected areas, and the local community has criticized the lack of an adequate alert system to prevent the tragedy.
What was the federal government's reaction to the tragedy at the Texas camp?
President Donald Trump described the tragedy as "heart-wrenching" and promised full federal assistance to support rescue and recovery efforts. In addition, Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, praised the work of the rescuers and assured that the federal government is providing the maximum support possible.
What security measures have been implemented following the floods in Texas?
After the tragedy, the population has been urged to move to higher ground due to the risk of further flooding, and authorities are continuing to work on improving alert systems and emergency response in the region.
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