德州山洪肆虐 灾情惨重 百餘人罹难

Deadly Floods Devastate Texas: Over 100 Lives Lost In Unprecedented Disaster

[Houston, TX] — Central Texas has been ravaged by one of the most devastating flash floods in decades, triggered by remnants of a tropical storm that unleashed extreme rainfall across the Hill Country from July 4th through the 7th. The Guadalupe River rose at an unprecedented rate, engulfing entire communities and left a trail of epic destruction. As of now, at least 129 people have died, and more than 170 remain still missing, making this one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.

Camp Mystic Tragedy: Summer Camp Becomes Epicenter of Grief

Kerr County bore the brunt of the disaster, with 103 of the confirmed fatalities occurring in the region. The Guadalupe River, normally a scenic landmark, turned into a deadly torrent, rising over 37 feet (11 meters) within hours. The most heartbreaking loss unfolded at Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp located on the riverbank, where at least 27 campers and staff members perished. Several others remain unaccounted for.

Survivors described a night of terror, with tents and cabins swept away in pitch-black waters, and little or no warning before the floodwaters struck.

Alert System Under Scrutiny: Emergency Warnings Failed

A growing chorus of criticism is being directed at local authorities for the failure to issue timely flood warnings. Despite having access to the national IPAWS emergency alert system, Kerr County officials reportedly opted not to use it, relying instead on the CodeRED subscription-based system—leaving many residents and tourists unaware of the imminent danger.

The delay in communication is now a central focus of state and federal investigations. Governor Greg Abbott has issued an emergency disaster declaration for multiple counties and has requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Experts say the tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved early warning systems and disaster readiness in flood-prone areas.

Massive Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway

More than 400 people have been rescued through helicopter airlifts and swift-water operations. Community and corporate partners—including H-E-B, Walmart, and World Central Kitchen—have mobilized to provide food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to affected families.

International aid has also arrived: a Mexican search and rescue team has joined recovery operations, offering cross-border humanitarian support. Emergency shelters have been set up, and survivors are receiving psychological counseling and medical care.

Stories of Heroism and Heartbreak

This flood has shattered countless lives and families. Malaya Hammond, a 17-year-old girl, died while trying to save her family from rising waters in Marble Falls. Her bravery has become a symbol of the human spirit amidst disaster.

Greta Toranzo, a 10-year-old camper at Camp Mystic, also lost her life. Her school community has come together to honor her memory with tributes and support systems for grieving students and families.

A rancher in Kerr County tearfully recounted how floodwaters swept away his land and home: “This is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen,” he said.

A Call for Change: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

This catastrophic event is now being called the most severe inland flash flood since the 1976 Big Thompson disaster, and potentially the deadliest natural calamity in Texas history.

The relentless and unforseen flooding has laid bare the vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness, from outdated warning protocols to a massively inadequate infrastructure. Leaders at all levels are now being urged to invest in resilient flood response systems, real-time communication networks, and comprehensive public education on disaster readiness.