Rep. Buddy Carter, a Republican from Georgia, shared the heartbreaking news that his granddaughters lost their cousin, Janie, due to devastating flash floods in Texas. The flooding, caused by intense rainfall, led the Guadalupe River to rise sharply, reaching historic levels. Carter expressed gratitude on social media, thanking everyone for their support and prayers.
“My granddaughters were at the summer camp in Texas that flooded,” Carter wrote in his post. Thankfully, his granddaughters were safe, but the tragedy weighed heavily on him. He urged people to continue praying for Texas and those affected by the disaster.
Carter highlighted the grief of many families who lost loved ones in the floods. He stressed the importance of providing resources to rescue those still missing. The river’s rapid rise, surging about 26 feet in under an hour, caught many by surprise.
The death toll from the Texas flood had soared to nearly 70 people, as reported by officials. Kerr County alone accounted for 59 of those deaths. The Guardian reported that 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remained missing.
Among the victims was Richard “Dick” Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic, who reportedly died trying to save girls at the camp. His dedication to the safety of the campers was a testament to his character. The Kerrville Daily Times covered Eastland’s heroic actions during the tragedy.
Reps. August Pfluger and Chip Roy, both from Texas, shared stories of rescue and relief. Pfluger and his wife were grateful to have their daughters safely evacuated from Camp Mystic. Roy recounted the miraculous rescue of a girl who floated on a mattress for three hours.
“One of the little girls from our school, thankfully, you know, praise the Lord, was found,” Roy told Fox News. The girl’s survival story served as a beacon of hope amid the devastation. The community rallied together, celebrating the small victories even in the face of overwhelming loss.
In response to the disaster, President Donald Trump announced he had signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County. This declaration aimed to ensure that first responders received the necessary resources quickly. “These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy,” Trump noted in his statement.
The Trump Administration coordinated closely with state and local leaders to manage the crisis. The commitment to supporting the affected communities was clear. This proactive approach underscored the administration’s dedication to aiding those in dire straits.
A remarkable rescue story emerged involving a 22-year-old woman clinging to a tree after being swept away by the floodwaters. Her ordeal lasted hours as she was carried nearly 20 miles downriver. KENS 5 News reported the dramatic rescue that followed.
A vigilant homeowner heard her cries for help and sprang into action. The man found her sheltered by a large cypress tree and immediately called for assistance. When initial attempts to get a response from emergency services failed, he sought help from a nearby law enforcement officer.
The community’s collective efforts exemplified the spirit of unity and resilience. Despite the overwhelming disaster, acts of heroism and compassion shone through the darkness. The stories of survival and solidarity provided a glimmer of hope in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The flood’s impact on Kerr County and beyond will not soon be forgotten. The loss of life and the devastation left behind serve as a somber reminder of nature’s power. The road to recovery will be long, but the strength of the Texan community remains steadfast.
Amid the sorrow, the resolve to rebuild and support one another is evident. The tragedy brought people together, reinforcing the bonds of community and shared humanity. The commitment to healing and moving forward is unwavering.
In the wake of the floods, the focus remains on assisting those affected and preventing future tragedies. The lessons learned will guide efforts to improve safety and preparedness. The dedication to protecting lives and livelihoods continues to drive action and support.
