In a devastating turn of events, at least 20 girls are currently missing from an all-girls Christian summer camp located in south Texas, known as Camp Mystic. This troubling news comes in the wake of severe overnight storms that triggered catastrophic flooding in the area. The camp, which is situated near the Guadalupe River, had approximately 750 children attending when the flooding occurred.

During a press conference held on Friday afternoon, Dan Patrick, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, reported that “20-some” girls were unaccounted for, later refining that estimate to about 23. Meanwhile, in a separate press event in Kerr County, County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha Jr. confirmed that there have been 13 fatalities due to the floods, although he did not provide further details. He also warned that the death toll could potentially rise as rescue operations continue.

Patrick stated that rescue efforts were underway, with victims already being located in various locations, including some found in vehicles that had been swept away by the rising waters. “We don’t know where those bodies came from,” he said, indicating that it was possible some may have originated from the camp itself. This situation has been classified as a “mass casualty event” by Freeman Martin, Texas’ director of public safety.

In response to the crisis, the Texas government has mobilized significant resources, deploying 18 helicopters and a team of 400 to 500 rescue workers who are actively engaged in search-and-rescue operations. Notably, there have already been reports of individuals being rescued from treetops, showcasing the dire conditions created by the flooding.

Lt. Gov. Patrick also mentioned that he has been in communication with President Donald Trump, who offered assistance from the federal government, stating that the White House would provide any necessary resources. Earlier in the day, the camp issued a statement to parents of attendees, reassuring them that if their daughter was unaccounted for, they would be notified. The camp officials indicated that other girls who were located in different areas of the camp had been found safe.

The destruction caused by the floods has left the region grappling with significant challenges. The nearby highway has been washed away, and the area is currently facing prolonged outages of power, water, and internet connectivity, making rescue operations more complex and urgent. Camp officials have appealed for prayers and assistance, urging anyone with contacts to help the situation.

Camp Mystic, which has been a cherished institution for girls aged 7 to 17, is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. However, the flooding has disrupted preparations and raised concerns about the camp’s future. The Guadalupe River, which runs adjacent to the camp, experienced a staggering surge of up to 22 feet in merely half an hour, reaching a record height of 30 feet in the nearby town of Comfort, Kerr County. This unprecedented increase in water levels has caused havoc and destruction across the region.

The Department of Homeland Security has activated the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in the rescue efforts and ensure the safety of the missing girls. They are collaborating closely with state and local officials to coordinate the response effectively.

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, also addressed the situation on social media, urging prayers for the community and specifically for those at Camp Mystic. He noted his discussions with Governor Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, and President Trump, confirming that multiple helicopters are deployed for search and rescue operations.

As the situation evolves, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed earlier reports of fatalities, stating that six deaths have been confirmed, although he anticipates that this number will rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue. He acknowledged the reality of missing girls, emphasizing that while some have been found stranded, the exact number of those unaccounted for remains uncertain. “We know that there are some missing,” he said, highlighting the ongoing efforts to locate them.

Flood warnings are currently in effect across the state as the threat of flash flooding persists. Lt. Gov. Patrick warned that areas stretching from San Antonio to Waco could face potential flash flooding in the next 24 to 48 hours as conditions remain precarious.