The death toll from the devastating floods that swept through central Texas has tragically risen to at least 104, with emergency responders warning that the number could continue to climb as search and recovery efforts intensify.

This catastrophic event has left entire communities shattered, homes submerged or destroyed, and countless families grappling with grief and uncertainty.

As relentless rain continues to batter the region and more storms loom on the horizon, rescue crews are racing against time to locate those still missing and bring some measure of closure to the devastated families.

Mirabel Gonzalez reports from Kerrville, Texas, where the search and rescue operations have now largely shifted toward recovery efforts.

The floods struck with alarming speed, particularly along the Guadalupe River, which surged more than 20 feet in less than two hours, bursting its banks and unleashing torrents of water and debris into nearby neighborhoods and campsites.

This sudden and violent rise overwhelmed residents and campers alike, cutting off escape routes and trapping many in perilous situations.

At the heart of this tragedy lies Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp nestled alongside the Guadalupe River.

Once a place of joy, friendship, and spiritual growth, the camp has become a heartbreaking symbol of the disaster’s human toll.

More than two dozen campers and counselors have been confirmed dead, including a group of ten young girls who were caught in the floodwaters.

Rescue efforts at the camp were particularly challenging due to the destruction of bridges and roads, making helicopter airlifts the only viable option to reach survivors and evacuate the injured.

The flooding began early on a Friday morning, catching many off guard.

Brock and Braden Davis, two brothers attending camp in Hunt—one of the hardest-hit areas—recounted their harrowing experience as floodwaters rose rapidly and their bed started tipping over.

“Our bed started tipping over and we got to the top really quick,” Braden recalled, capturing the terrifying moments when survival instincts took over.

Their story is just one among many, as families and individuals faced the sudden fury of nature with little warning.

Federal, state, and local agencies, alongside volunteers, mobilized swiftly to respond to the unfolding crisis.

Boats and helicopters have been deployed to scour flooded neighborhoods, campgrounds, and rural areas, searching for survivors and recovering bodies.

However, the ongoing threat of debris—including snapped trees, power lines, and unstable structures—poses significant dangers to rescuers.

“As the water moves, the debris also moves,” one first responder explained.

“You have to worry about these snapped trees falling on top of rescuers.”

This adds an extra layer of complexity and risk to an already daunting mission.

The human cost of the disaster is staggering.

More than 100 people have been confirmed dead, and approximately two dozen remain missing.

The emotional toll on families and communities is immeasurable.

Many survivors are dealing not only with the loss of loved ones but also with the destruction of their homes and livelihoods.

The floods have displaced thousands, forcing emergency shelters to open their doors to those left homeless.

In the midst of this tragedy, some stories of hope have emerged.

Georgia Representative Buddy Carter shared that his two granddaughters, who were at Camp Mystic during the floods, were rescued by helicopter and have returned home safely.

Tragically, their nine-year-old cousin, who was staying in a different cabin at the camp, did not survive.

Congressman Carter also revealed that President Trump has personally reached out to the family to offer condolences.

The White House announced that the president plans to visit Texas later this week, possibly on Friday, to assess the damage firsthand and support ongoing relief efforts.

As the storms begin to subside and drier weather is forecasted in the coming days, communities cling to hope that more missing persons will be found and reunited with their families.

Yet, the path to recovery will be long and arduous.

Infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and power grids have sustained severe damage, complicating relief operations and the return to normalcy.

Many residents face the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives from the wreckage left behind.

The Texas floods have also sparked important conversations about disaster preparedness, climate change, and the resilience of communities in the face of increasingly severe weather events.

Experts warn that such extreme flooding incidents may become more frequent as global temperatures rise, calling for enhanced infrastructure planning and emergency response strategies.

In addition to government agencies, numerous nonprofit organizations and volunteers have mobilized to provide aid and support.

Relief efforts include distributing food, clean water, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as offering counseling services to those affected by trauma.

Donations and volunteer assistance are vital to sustaining these operations and helping communities recover.

The disaster also highlights the importance of community solidarity and resilience.

Stories of neighbors helping neighbors, strangers opening their homes to the displaced, and first responders risking their lives to save others have inspired many.

These acts of kindness and bravery offer a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.

As Texas begins the difficult process of healing, the nation watches with heavy hearts and unwavering support.

The floods serve as a sobering reminder of nature’s power and the fragility of human life in the face of such forces.

They also underscore the critical need for preparedness, compassion, and coordinated action when disaster strikes.

For those wishing to assist, numerous organizations are actively coordinating relief efforts.

Contributions of funds, supplies, or volunteer time can make a meaningful difference in helping affected families rebuild and recover.

As Texas faces this monumental challenge, the collective strength and generosity of communities near and far will be essential in overcoming the aftermath of this tragic flooding.