A Sudden Surge on the Guadalupe River
The disaster unfolded in the early hours of Independence Day when intense tropical rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to swell dramatically—rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The resulting floodwaters ravaged homes, camps, and communities across central Texas, with the all-girls summer retreat Camp Mystic taking the brunt of the destruction.

Camp Mystic, nestled southwest of Hunt, Texas, was one of the hardest-hit sites. At least 27 individuals from the camp, including staff and campers, were initially reported missing. The water swept away cabins, vehicles, and bridges, leaving parts of the camp isolated and submerged. Panic spread as thunderclaps jolted young girls awake, many of whom had no emergency training or time to prepare.

According to Moore, some of the lower cabins—like Look Out and Hangover—were entirely underwater. Campers from the Flats, where the youngest girls stayed, were among those most vulnerable. The bridge connecting the Flats to Senior Hill was blocked by debris and rushing water, cutting off entire sections of the camp. With no snacks allowed in cabins and communication lines down, the girls endured the harrowing wait with no food, guidance, or clarity.