Two young girls, previously missing during catastrophic flooding in Kendall County, Texas, have been found alive—clinging to a tree 30 feet above the ground. This remarkable rescue occurred amidst what is now one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.
The girls were discovered on Sunday during ongoing search and rescue operations following the Independence Day weekend deluge. While it’s uncertain if they were part of the group of 25 girls from Camp Mystic who went missing, their survival is a beacon of hope in a sea of tragedy.
Rescue volunteer Cord Shiflet reported that the girls had held on for over a day, showing extraordinary resilience. They were located six miles downstream from the area where they were last seen, emphasizing the chaotic power of the flooding.
The rescue took place in the flood zone between Comfort and Center Point, where heartbreakingly, four deceased individuals were also found. This stark reality underlines the severity of the situation faced by the community.
On the day the girls were rescued, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a “Day of Prayer,” and social media erupted with joy at the good news. However, the respite is bittersweet in light of the broader tragedy unfolding.
Governor Abbott confirmed that at least 59 individuals have been found dead in Kerr County alone, with additional casualties reported in other affected areas. With 41 people still missing—including 11 girls from Camp Mystic—the grim recovery efforts continue.
The Texas Military Department has launched extensive rescue operations, successfully rescuing or removing 525 people through both air and land methods. Major General Thomas Suelzer of the Texas Adjutant General’s office informed reporters that the majority of these rescues—356—were conducted from the air.
This disaster is a testament to the strength and determination of Texans in the face of overwhelming odds. As the search for the missing continues, we must remain vigilant and united. We stand with the communities affected, ready to help in whatever way we can.
