A summer retreat along the Guadalupe River turned tragic as flash flooding claimed at least 51 lives and left dozens missing across Texas. Kerr County was the hardest hit, with 43 fatalities, including children attending Camp Mystic. The camp, a longtime riverside retreat, was devastated as floodwaters swept through cabins, leaving families heartbroken and rescue teams working around the clock.

The disaster followed intense rainfall and what experts call a “flood wave”—a fast, powerful surge of water that overwhelmed the region in minutes. Video footage showed water crashing through riverbeds, sweeping away vehicles, buildings, and campsites. Meteorologists say such waves can reach speeds of 25 to 40 mph, giving people little time to respond or evacuate.