A devastating tragedy has unfolded in Texas as unprecedented flash floods have claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left more than 20 children missing at a girls’ summer camp. The sudden disaster struck late last night when torrential rains, which meteorologists are calling the worst in decades, caused rivers and creeks to overflow in multiple counties across central Texas. Entire neighborhoods were submerged within hours, leaving families trapped on rooftops and rescue crews scrambling to reach those in danger.

Among the hardest-hit areas was the Pine Creek Girls Summer Camp, a popular retreat nestled near the banks of the Blanco River. Parents had dropped off their daughters just days ago, expecting them to spend a week enjoying nature, crafts, and friendships under the watchful care of camp counselors. Instead, chaos erupted when a wall of water swept through the campgrounds without warning shortly after midnight. Emergency sirens blared, but many children and staff were caught off guard as cabins were inundated within minutes.

Rescue operations have been underway since dawn, with helicopters hovering over the dense forest canopy, searching for signs of life. Local sheriff’s deputies and volunteer firefighters described scenes of heartbreak and heroism as they pulled children from trees and clung to hope that more survivors would be found. So far, eight of the missing campers have been rescued alive, but the fate of at least 20 others, including the daughter of a well-known local pastor, remains unknown.

Governor Margaret Ellis addressed the state in a press conference this morning, her voice breaking as she confirmed the rising death toll and promised every available resource would be deployed. “This is a moment of unimaginable pain for so many families,” Ellis said. “We will not rest until every missing child is found and every family has the support they need to recover from this nightmare.”

Residents of nearby towns are also grappling with widespread devastation. Roads have been washed out, hundreds of homes destroyed, and entire communities are now unreachable except by boat or helicopter. Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and churches to house the displaced, and local businesses are rallying to provide food, clothing, and dry bedding for survivors.

Meteorologists say the historic rainfall was the result of a rare weather pattern that trapped a stalled storm system over central Texas for nearly 36 hours. More rain is forecast in the coming days, raising fears of further flooding and complicating already dangerous rescue efforts. Officials have urged anyone living near rivers or flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so.

Among those waiting desperately for news is Sarah Jenkins, whose 9-year-old daughter Emily was at Pine Creek. “I dropped her off on Sunday. She was so excited to sleep in a cabin with her friends,” Jenkins said through tears. “Now I just want to hold her again. I’m begging God to keep her safe.”

Volunteers from across the state have poured in to help with search and rescue missions. Donations of bottled water, blankets, and dry clothes are piling up at makeshift relief centers, but emergency crews warn that the coming hours will be critical. Divers are preparing to search submerged cabins while K-9 units comb the forested hills for signs of the missing.

This historic flood has already been compared to the catastrophic Memorial Day floods of 2015, but residents say this one feels even worse. Many families have lost everything overnight, and heartbreak hangs heavy in the air as the community braces for more rain.

As Texas faces the aftermath of this historic disaster, families, neighbors, and first responders are holding onto hope, praying for miracles, and refusing to give up on the missing. For the parents of the campers, the next few hours may feel like an eternity as they wait for any word that their daughters will be brought home safe.