A devastating flash flood tore through Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian girls’ camp in Texas, leaving behind a heartbreaking trail of destruction and grief. At least 27 children lost their lives, and many more were injured or reported missing after violent waters surged through the beloved summer retreat early Thursday morning.
Established in the early 20th century, Camp Mystic had long been a haven of faith, friendship, and fun for young girls. But the serene legacy was shattered when heavy rains overwhelmed nearby riverbanks, giving camp staff and emergency responders little time to react. In a tragic act of heroism, the camp’s beloved owner, known affectionately as “Miss Ellie” among campers.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as water engulfed cabins, swept away equipment, and forced campers to seek higher ground in the dead of night. Survivors were eventually airlifted and transported to safety, but search-and-rescue teams are still combing the wreckage for those unaccounted for.
Texas Governor issued an emergency response order and vowed a full investigation, calling it “a tragedy of unimaginable scale.” The incident has ignited questions about weather preparedness and camp evacuation protocols, especially as climate-related events continue to intensify across the southern U.S.