Devastation in Central Texas: Camp Mystic tragedy unfolds amid flash floods

• At least 82 people, including 15 children, have died in a devastating flash flood, with 27 children still missing after the Guadalupe River overflowed at Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp in Kerr County.
• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has described the scene as “horrendously ravaged” and pledged ongoing rescue efforts. As of July 5, the operation involved 37 boats, 158 vehicles, 10 rescue teams, 16 drones and specialized swimmers, though the chances of finding survivors are diminishing.
• President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County, providing critical resources and support. The move came after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the urgency of federal assistance, with the U.S. Coast Guard credited for saving 223 lives.
• Speculation about cloud seeding exacerbating the storm has spread online, but officials and experts have dismissed these claims as unfounded. The disaster has drawn comparisons to Hurricane Harvey in 2017, with officials noting the unprecedented rainfall.
• The floods have affected at least eight counties, with fatalities reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson and Tom Green counties. The tragedy highlights the need for improved disaster preparedness and response, as well as the importance of federal and state cooperation in recovery efforts.

Central Texas is grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic flash flood that claimed the lives of at least 82 people, including at least 15 children. The disaster struck Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp in Kerr County, where 27 children remain missing after the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has described the scene as “horrendously ravaged,” pledging to continue rescue efforts until every missing girl is found.

As of Saturday afternoon, July 5, the search and rescue operation had intensified, involving a massive, coordinated effort with 37 boats, 158 off-road vehicles, 10 search and rescue teams, 16 drones and specialized rescue swimmers. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd assured the public that the operation would continue until everyone is accounted for.

“The process is going to keep going,” Kidd stated. “We’re not going to stop until we find everyone that’s missing.”

Abbott emphasized the scale of the rescue operation, revealing that more than 850 people had been rescued in the first 36 hours. The governor’s visit to Camp Mystic left him visibly shaken.

“The height the rushing water reached to the top of the cabins was shocking,” he wrote in a social media post. “We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.”

President Donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County, a move that will provide much-needed resources and support. Despite having denied similar requests earlier in the year, Trump acknowledged the severity of the situation.

“Melania and I are praying for all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” he wrote on Truth Social. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem underscored the urgency of federal assistance, highlighting the role of the National Weather Service and the U.S. Coast Guard, which has been credited with saving 223 lives. Noem praised Coast Guard rescue swimmer Petty Officer Scott Ruskin as “an American hero” for his remarkable feat of rescuing 165 victims.

Weather modification controversy

Amid the tragedy, online speculation about potential weather modification programs in the region has gained traction. A theory suggesting cloud seeding may have exacerbated the storm has gone viral on social media platforms. However, experts and officials have dismissed these claims as unfounded. (Related: Cloud seeding blamed for repeatedly causing severe floods in Tasmania.)

The devastating floods in Central Texas are reminiscent of past natural disasters that have tested the state’s resilience. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey inflicted widespread damage across Texas, leading to significant changes in disaster response and preparedness. The current disaster has prompted comparisons to Harvey, with officials noting the unprecedented rainfall totals, equivalent to those seen in a once-in-a-century event.

The impact of the floods extends beyond Kerr County. At least seven other counties have reported fatalities, with Travis County, home to the state capital of Austin, confirming six deaths. Burnet County reported three deaths, and Kendall and Williamson counties each confirmed two fatalities. The San Angelo Police Department reported the death of a 62-year-old woman in Tom Green County.

As the search for survivors continues, the people of Central Texas are left to confront the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, whose own property was devastated, expressed the collective sentiment: “It’s gonna be a long time before we’re ever going to be able to clean it up much less rebuild it.”

The tragedy has underscored the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies, as well as the importance of federal and state cooperation in times of crisis.

Watch the video below that talks about cloud seeding to modify the weather.

This video is from the Journaltv channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

America’s silent crisis: Major U.S. cities are sinking, threatening infrastructure and increasing flood risks.

Climate change skepticism in floods: Aussie farmers push back against climate dogma.

Forests to farms to floods: Land use shifts threaten water quality and communities.

Sources include:

CBSNews.com

ZeroHedge.com

Brighteon.com