A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the heart of Texas as severe overnight flooding engulfed parts of Camp Mystic, a popular summer retreat in Hunt, Texas, leaving two young girls missing and an entire community devastated. Authorities have now confirmed that Lila Montgomery, 9, and Eloise Carter, 8, were officially reported missing approximately 40 minutes ago as desperate search and rescue operations continue in the flood-stricken area.

The camp, located on the scenic banks of the South Fork Guadalupe River, has been a beloved institution for generations of Texas families, hosting young girls from across the state for decades. But last night’s sudden and ferocious flooding turned what should have been a carefree summer evening into a nightmare no parent should ever endure.

The Flood That Came Without Warning

The Texas Hill Country has endured relentless rainfall over the past week, but few expected the South Fork Guadalupe River to rise so rapidly and violently. According to local emergency management officials, torrential downpours between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. caused the river to breach its banks, sending walls of water sweeping through campsites and cabins.

Witnesses reported hearing the desperate cries of children scrambling for higher ground as counselors worked heroically to shepherd campers to safety. Many families, some of whom had arrived for a planned mid-session parent visit day, were caught entirely off guard.

The Missing: Lila and Eloise

In the chaos of the evacuation, two girls failed to reunite with their cabin groups: Lila Montgomery and Eloise Carter. Both are from the Houston area and had been attending Camp Mystic for their second summer.

“Lila is the light of our lives,” said her mother Kimberly Montgomery in a tearful plea during a live interview on KENS 5 News this afternoon. “She loves to sing, she loves animals, and she was so excited to be with her friends this week. Please, if anyone saw anything, or knows where she might be, come forward.”

The Carter family issued a similar statement through local authorities, describing Eloise as “a kind, adventurous soul with the brightest smile you’ve ever seen.”

Search Efforts Intensify

As of this hour, over 100 rescue personnel — including teams from Kerr County Emergency Services, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and volunteer fire departments from neighboring towns — are scouring the riverbanks, cabins, and debris fields in search of the missing girls.

Boats, helicopters, and K-9 units are being deployed in increasingly treacherous conditions as rainfall continues to complicate efforts.

“We are exhausting every resource available to locate these girls and bring them home safely,” said Sheriff Larry Richter of Kerr County in an emotional press briefing. “The entire community is hurting right now, but we are united in this mission.”

Camp Mystic’s Response

Camp Mystic has temporarily suspended all activities and has begun arranging for the safe evacuation of remaining campers to nearby facilities. In a statement released this morning, Camp Director Margaret Lewis expressed profound sorrow and pledged the camp’s full cooperation with authorities.

“Our hearts are with the Montgomery and Carter families, and we are holding on to hope,” Lewis said. “We ask everyone to keep these precious girls in your prayers.”

A Community in Mourning

Word of the tragedy has spread quickly through Texas and beyond, with an outpouring of support and prayers flooding social media platforms. The hashtag #PrayForLilaAndEloise has begun trending nationally as friends, families, and strangers alike share memories and prayers for the girls.

Local churches have organized evening prayer vigils, while community centers in Hunt and neighboring towns have opened their doors for those affected by the floods.

What Comes Next

As search operations continue into the evening, families cling to hope against daunting odds. The tragedy has also reignited discussions about flood preparedness and the safety of summer camps in the increasingly unpredictable climate of Central Texas.

For now, though, the focus remains on Lila and Eloise — two little girls whose absence has left an entire community holding its breath.

We will continue to update this story as new information becomes available. In the meantime, please keep Lila, Eloise, their families, and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers tonight.