Texas Flood Horror: Girl Rescued From Tree As Campers Feared Dead And Dozens Missing

A young girl was miraculously rescued after being swept 12 miles downstream by raging floodwaters in Texas — a disaster that has already claimed at least 24 lives.

Dramatic images showed the terrified child clinging to a tree branch above the swirling rapids before she was safely airlifted, according to News 4 San Antonio.

Video footage also captured helicopters hoisting others to safety in what has become one of the deadliest floods in Texas history. Torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding across Kerr County, wiping out roads, destroying homes, and ravaging summer camps filled with children.

Officials say over 20 girls from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, were initially unaccounted for after the Guadalupe River swelled up to 30 feet above its normal level, washing through the campgrounds.

Rescue efforts have intensified as authorities scramble to locate dozens still missing. More than 500 emergency personnel, 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and dozens of ground crews are engaged in the massive search.

So far, 237 people have been rescued, including over 150 airlifted from dangerous conditions, but officials warn the death toll may rise as floodwaters recede.

Among the confirmed victims is eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla. Her uncle, Shawn Salta, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook:

> “We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life. She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”

Another casualty was Jane Ragsdale, beloved director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, which was also impacted by the floods.

> “We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” the camp stated on its website.

Heart O' the Hills was not in session during the flood, and most people on-site were reported to be on higher ground and accounted for.

Parents of missing children remain in limbo, clinging to hope at reunification centers. Serena Hanor Aldrich, whose daughters aged 9 and 12 were rescued, expressed both relief and frustration:

> “They should have been watching the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Kerr County. They were posting warnings yesterday morning.”

Governor Greg Abbott addressed the press late Friday, calling the flooding “devastating” and declaring:

> “We need God more than ever, but we also need a strong response. We’ll put everything we have into the search and rescue efforts.”

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that operations would continue through the night and into the weekend.

President Donald Trump also weighed in, calling the disaster “terrible” and promising federal support.

> “We’ll take care of them,” he said.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Coast Guard teams were battling dangerous conditions to reach flood victims.

> “We will fly through the night and as long as possible. This is what the U.S. Coast Guard does,” she affirmed.

As families wait and pray, the full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding. Buildings have been ripped from their foundations, cars tossed like toys, and entire communities left submerged and shattered.

While officials remain hopeful of rescuing more survivors, the heartbreaking reality of this disaster continues to deepen with every passing hour.