In Hunt, Texas, more than seven inches of rain have fallen since Thursday—the heaviest in the area since the early 1990s—causing the Guadalupe

River to crest at over 29 feet before dawn, its second-highest level ever. The storm’s sudden intensity caught both residents and officials off guard.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Thursday afternoon for central Texas, followed by multiple urgent warnings.

As the waters rose, hundreds of emergency personnel were deployed, using helicopters and ground crews to search for stranded

individuals. Flooded roads made rescue efforts difficult, and officials warned that the death toll may climb.

“This is going to be a mass casualty event,” said Freeman F. Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick noted that Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp for girls located along the river,

was working to contact families of missing campers. Founded nearly 100 years ago, the camp includes buildings made from local cypress trees.

Friday’s flooding evoked painful memories of the deadly 1987 Guadalupe River flood. As rescue operations continue,

the state expressed its support: “Our hearts and thoughts are with the survivors—Texas stands with you.”