Texas Hill Country Floods Result in Over 120 Deaths

News Summary

Devastating flooding in Texas Hill Country has claimed over 120 lives, with 161 individuals still missing. Among the victims is SCAD student Joyce Catherine Badon. Family and friends are devastated as the community rallies for rescue efforts. The floods, caused by severe storms, led to a tragic loss of life, particularly affecting areas like Kerr County and a local girls camp. Governor Abbott has ordered flags at half-staff and initiated disaster response efforts amidst ongoing search operations.

Texas Hill Country Floods Claim Lives of Over 120, Including SCAD Student Joyce Catherine Badon; 161 Still Missing

A series of devastating flash floods in Texas Hill Country have resulted in over 120 confirmed fatalities, with more than 161 individuals reported missing, especially in Kerr County. The floods began as storms swept across multiple regions of Texas, including the Concho Valley and central Texas, starting last Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and loss.

Among the victims identified is Joyce Catherine Badon, a 21-year-old senior from Beaumont, Texas, who was studying architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Badon was visiting Hunt, Texas, to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with friends when their vehicles were caught in the rapidly rising waters. Family members reported that the group was staying in a home perched on a hill along the river when a sudden flash flood struck around 4 a.m. Badon sent a final text message saying, “We’re being washed away” just moments before they lost communication.

The search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams recovering over 500 people since the floods began. In Kerr County alone, authorities have confirmed at least 59 adults and 36 children dead, with more fatalities yet to be identified. Among the hardest hit was Camp Mystic, a Christian-based girls camp, which has lost at least 27 campers and counselors, with several more still unaccounted for.

In response to the catastrophe, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in memory of the victims and announced increased efforts to improve flood warning systems in the region. The flooding prompted the National Weather Service to issue localized warnings in several counties, including Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson, and Tom Green.

Rescue efforts are being supported by volunteers and rescue teams utilizing both air evacuations and ground searches to locate missing individuals. Federal disaster relief measures are being initiated, with a disaster declaration that has been signed by President Trump, which aims to facilitate additional resources and support for recovery efforts.

The catastrophic flooding was highlighted by the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, which swelled by almost 30 feet in just 45 minutes, leading to significant destruction in the area. Questions have arisen regarding whether residents received timely emergency alerts before the flooding occurred, raising scrutiny about the preparations and responses from local officials.

In light of the ongoing disaster, a special session of the Texas Legislature is set to convene to discuss enhancing emergency communications and flood response strategies. Authorities are under pressure to assess the adequacy of existing flood preparedness measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the cleanup and recovery process continues, families are mourning lost loved ones, and the community is coming together to support one another in the wake of the tragedy. The impact of this disaster extends beyond the immediate loss of life and includes significant emotional and societal costs that will be felt across the region for years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• CBS News
• Wikipedia: Flash Flood
• AP News
• Google Search: Texas Floods
• Fox News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
• KVUE
• Google News: Texas Flood