Heartbreaking Search for a Father Amidst the Ruins
The death toll from sudden floods in Texas has risen to 32, including 14 children, according to local authorities. The devastating floods, caused by the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River in central-south Texas, have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak.
Michael, a 40-year-old man from Austin, is among those desperately searching for his 8-year-old daughter. She was among the 27 unaccounted-for children at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, when the powerful wave struck the area early Friday morning.
Michael’s Heartbreaking Journey:
- Receives a message that his daughter is among the missing children.
- Equipped with high boots, a bucket, and metal cutters, he enters the campsite where his daughter was staying.
- Finds personal items belonging to his daughter, including a towel with his name, a stuffed animal, a family photo, and a friend’s bag.
- Believes the water directly hit the cabins where 8 and 9-year-old girls were staying.
A Once-in-a-Century Disaster
The aftermath along the Guadalupe River is one of devastation. Fallen trees and overturned or destroyed vehicles bear witness to the fierce power of the floodwaters. Rescue teams scour the area on foot, in vehicles, and via helicopters and drones, hoping to find survivors or victims.
The floodwaters entered several meters into the city of Kent, toppling fences and damaging properties. A gas station disappeared amidst the chaos, while neighboring Kerrville also suffered significant damage as the river rose nearly 10 meters high, terrorizing residents.
Community’s Reactions:
- Gerardo Martínez, a 61-year-old restaurant owner in Kerrville, comments: “We have floods every hundred years. We’ve never seen anything like this, and we hope not to again.”
- David Amorr, a 35-year-old Kerrville resident, shares his thoughts: “You see these things on TV. You never imagine they could happen so close to home, especially in your city.”
- “We can only think of our own daughters,” adds Amorr, expressing solidarity with the affected families.
Meanwhile, Michael continues his search at Camp Mystic, hoping for a miracle.
