It’s difficult to imagine the destruction caused by the Texas floods. At the girls’ summer camp, Camp Mystic, 27 children and counsellors are in mourning as the death toll rises to 81 across six counties.
However, heroes have emerged from the tragedy. Emma Foltz, a counsellor at Camp Mystic, is currently receiving recognition for saving the lives of fourteen campers.
The devastating flash flood in Texas has claimed the lives of over 80 individuals
. President Donald Trump has declared Kerr County a major disaster after the Guadalupe River flooded close to Kerrville, causing extensive damage. There are ongoing rescue efforts to try to find and save those who are still missing.
The flooding had a significant impact on Camp Mystic, a camp for Christian girls. At least 27 campers and counsellors have perished, according to the camp, and many more are still unaccounted for.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” the camp wrote in a statement on their website, adding that they are in contact with local authorities, continuing the search for “missing girls.”
They stated they are in connection with local police who are continuing to search for “missing girls.”
“We ask for your continued prayers, respect, and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us,” the statement ended.
Texas floods survivor gives haunting recollection
Amanda Sue Jones, who survived the Fourth of July flood in Texas with her family, has shared a chilling account of what transpired in an interview with CNN. “In a matter of minutes from when it was just quiet, everyone was just asleep, to lights coming on slowly in the cabins and campers to them just being washed away,” she added, describing how quickly the floodwater rose.
“It was just immeasurably fast,” she told CNN. “Everything seemed fine. There wasn’t a lot of hustling and bustling; it wasn’t a stressful situation at that point. But then again, nobody could really see the water past where this little bridge was and it’s almost like a wall of water came through.”
Sue Jones continued, “Where we were camping, we were about 20 yards from a fork, like a little tributary of the river. And that’s what we were monitoring because we’re so close to it and it was well within its banks for the longest time, even throughout the night. It was rising but still within its banks, but then as soon as it started getting into the grass and out of the banks, that’s when the decision was made (to leave).”
On Sunday, news about people trying to save others but dying themselves appeared. In the face of this unfathomable tragedy, the community has united, and despite the destruction, loss, and sadness, there are also tales of heroes.
Camp Mystic counselor Emma Foltz saves 14 campers’ lives
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry wrote about and thanked one person, Emma Foltz, via his X account. She saved 14 children while working as a counsellor at the girls’ summer camp. For three years, she had been employed there.
She is a senior at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana, and was raised in Alexandria, Louisiana.
“She played an instrumental role in helping evacuate 14 of her campers to safety,” Gov. Landry wrote on X. “Please join me in thanking Emma for all her hard work and bravery under immense pressure.”
Foltz has been a counsellor at Camp Mystic in Hunt for three years, the Facebook post said. She is a senior at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana, and was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana.
“Hero”
People commended Emma for her valiant effort in the comment section.
“Thank you for your quick thinking and for saving the children. May God Bless you abundantly & may your family in Louisiana shine with admiration ! Blessings to you and prayers for all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” one user wrote.
“Bless her. I know the rescued counselors will need great comfort,” another said.
A third person simply called her a “hero,” while a fourth continued, “Thank you, Emma! May God continue to bless your life for showing such bravery and resilience in such an unfathomable situation. You saved 14 little girls lives and that can never be repaid. I hope the state of Louisiana honors you in a big way!”
A fifth person wrote, ”God bless this wonderful, brave and amazing young lady!”
