A historic flash flood swept through central Texas early this morning, claiming 24 lives and leaving more than 20 girls missing after rising waters inundated a children’s summer camp near the Blanco River.
The flood, caused by record-breaking overnight rainfall, caught communities off guard. Rivers overflowed in minutes, sweeping away cars, homes, and entire buildings. Among the worst-hit locations was Camp Sunridge, a summer retreat for children ages 8 to 13.
As rescue efforts continue, one father’s heartbreaking story has captured national attention.
Thomas Reid, who had driven from Dallas upon hearing of the flood, spent the morning searching riverbanks and debris for any sign of his 10-year-old daughter, Emily. Two kilometers downstream from the camp, he discovered a small pink bracelet lying in the mud—one Emily had made just days before with beads spelling out her name.
Witnesses say Thomas froze, then fell to his knees, holding the bracelet tightly to his chest.
“It was hers,” he whispered, tears streaming down his face. “She never took it off. Never.”
But what made the moment even more unbearable was what happened next. Moments after finding the bracelet, a camp official gently approached Thomas and informed him that Emily was among the children still unaccounted for, last seen in a cabin that had been swept away during the night.
“That was the moment his heart broke,” said a rescue worker nearby. “You could feel it.”
Camp Sunridge had housed around 90 children and 20 staff members when the flood struck just after 3:00 a.m. According to officials, most of the cabins were located near the river, with few on elevated ground.
“We heard water rushing and trees cracking,” said camp counselor Mia Hernandez, 21. “We tried to wake everyone and move to higher ground, but everything happened so fast. The lower cabins were gone in minutes.”
Local authorities have confirmed 24 deaths so far, including both children and adults. Search-and-rescue teams continue working around the clock, combing through debris and flood zones for survivors. At least 20 young girls remain missing, most of them campers.
Governor Melissa Reyes has declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance. The National Guard has been deployed, and additional rescue units have arrived from neighboring states.
“This is a tragedy beyond words,” the governor said during a press briefing. “We will not rest until every missing child is found.”
In the meantime, questions are being raised about the warning systems in place. Families and local officials are demanding to know whether the camp received timely alerts—and whether it had proper flood evacuation protocols.
Across Texas, communities are mourning. Vigils are being held in churches and schools. Volunteers are delivering food, blankets, and comfort to families waiting for news.
Social media has been flooded with photos of missing children, offers of shelter, and expressions of sympathy from across the country.
In a temporary shelter set up at a nearby high school, parents sit silently, staring at phones, waiting for updates. Some cry quietly. Others pray.
Thomas Reid, still holding his daughter’s bracelet, has not left the camp perimeter.
“She’s brave,” he said. “I just want her to know I’m here. I won’t stop looking.”
As water levels begin to recede, the full extent of the damage will become clearer. Federal and state officials are expected to launch investigations into the disaster, focusing on emergency readiness, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
But for now, the focus remains on the missing girls—and on grieving families like the Reids.
The flood may have passed, but for many, the heartbreak is just beginning.
