A devastating wave of floods has torn through parts of Texas, killing at least 13 people and leaving many more missing including around 20 children from a summer camp. The disaster struck Kerr County hardest, where rivers swelled rapidly, turning roads into raging waterways and sweeping away homes in what officials described as a “catastrophic” event.

The tragedy unfolded with terrifying speed. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who is acting governor while Greg Abbott is away, explained that the Guadalupe River rose an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes. “It was a destructive flood, taking property and sadly, lives,” he said during a news conference on Friday.

Among the most alarming situations is the fate of children at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp where around 700 were staying when the floods hit. Patrick confirmed that roughly 20 children remain unaccounted for but urged caution, saying, “That does not mean they have been lost. They could be out of communication.” He assured parents that if they had not been contacted by authorities, their child was safe.

Rescue teams are working around the clock, combing through debris and flooded areas in search of survivors. Patrick said emergency crews have 14 helicopters, 12 drones, nine rescue teams, and hundreds of personnel, totaling between 400 and 500 people deployed in the effort. He thanked the public for offering private helicopters and drones but stressed that additional equipment was not needed.

The flooding came after months’ worth of rain fell in just a few hours, overwhelming rivers and creeks. The Hill Country and Concho Valley regions were hit so hard that disaster declarations were issued. In Kerr County, the sheriff’s office reported widespread destruction, with homes submerged, roads washed out, and multiple people still missing.

Governor Greg Abbott, though out of state, pledged full support, saying Texas was providing “all necessary resources” to affected areas, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. The region, northwest of San Antonio, saw bridges disappear under churning brown water, while fast-moving currents turned streets into dangerous rapids.

Officials have begged residents to stay cautious. “Folks, please don’t take chances,” warned Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “Stay alert, follow local emergency warnings, and do not drive through flooded roads.” The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office specifically urged those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River to seek higher ground immediately.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring told The Kerrville Daily Times that there had been no warning of the disaster’s severity, partly because the area lacks an early flood alert system. The suddenness of the crisis left little time for preparation, catching many by surprise.

Meanwhile, another tragedy unfolded hundreds of miles away in New Jersey, where heavy storms on Thursday night claimed at least three lives. Two men, aged 79 and 25, died when a tree crushed their car in Plainfield, and a 44-year-old woman was killed in North Plainfield when a falling tree struck her vehicle. Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp called it a “sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.”

Back in Texas, the focus remains on rescue and recovery. With more rain possible, fears of additional flash floods linger. Families of the missing children wait anxiously for news, while emergency workers press on, hoping to find survivors amid the wreckage.

The disaster has left a scar on the community, but the response has shown the strength of those coming together in crisis. As the waters slowly recede, the true extent of the damage—and the human toll—will become clearer. For now, the priority is saving lives and helping those who have lost everything.