The catastrophic flooding that struck central Texas on Friday, July 4, has resulted in the loss of at least 24 lives in Kerr County and one death in Kendall County. The floodwaters, caused by an unexpected and intense rainfall, have also left many people missing and displaced.
Flooding Impact on Camp Mystic and Missing Campers
The flash floods severely impacted Camp Mystic, a Christian girls-only summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick highlighted the situation during a press conference, noting that over a dozen campers were still unaccounted for.
The devastating impact of the flood on the camp was felt deeply when 8-year-old Renee Smajstrla was confirmed dead after being missing for hours.
Her uncle, Shawn Salta, confirmed her death on July 5 to The Washington Post, sharing the painful news on Facebook.
He expressed gratitude for the prayers and outreach from the community, saying, “Renee has been found, and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly.”
Salta continued to honor his niece’s memory, writing, “We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”
Missing Families and Search Efforts
In addition to the young camper, other families remain missing due to the flood. Joni Kay Brake and Robert Leroy Brake Sr., who had been visiting their son at an RV park near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, are still unaccounted for.
Their grandson, Ryan Brake, told NBC DFW, “They were just down there yesterday fishing and enjoying the night.” The family remains hopeful but is relying on prayers as they await news of their loved ones.
Similarly, Reece Zunker, his wife Paula, and their two children are also missing after they were vacationing at a river house near Hunt. The Kerrville Daily Times reported that family members are anxiously awaiting any updates on their whereabouts.
Catastrophic Flooding: Record Rainfall and River Surges
The Guadalupe River, where Camp Mystic is located, saw floodwaters surge to its second-highest level ever, as reported by ABC’s Eyewitness News. The area received at least 10 inches of rain, causing the river to overflow and flood surrounding areas.
Clint Morris, spokesperson for the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, described the flooding as potentially a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, adding that the scene was “extremely active” across the county.
Camp Mystic was evacuated overnight, and there were reports that many of the camp’s cabins were either flooded or completely washed away due to the intense flooding.
A Misunderestimated Forecast
In the aftermath, W. Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, stated that the National Weather Service had significantly underestimated the amount of rainfall the affected areas would experience. Kidd explained, “The amount of rain that fell in this specific location was never in any of the agency’s forecasts,” underscoring how unprepared authorities were for the severity of the rainfall.
Texas State Response
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott quickly mobilized state resources to assist in the affected areas, including Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Abbott urged residents to heed guidance from local officials and to monitor local forecasts, emphasizing the danger of driving into flooded areas.
As rescue efforts continue, and emergency crews work tirelessly to search for missing individuals, the state of Texas remains in a state of emergency. The tragic flood has shaken the local community, and the search for those still unaccounted for continues, as families wait for updates.