THE TEXAS HILLS: In the face of a devastating natural disaster, Dolly Parton stood up and called on everyone to join in prayer for the victims battling the relentless flood. Speaking through tears, her emotional plea deeply moved fans around the world…

At Least 169 Still Missing After Flash Floods Devastate Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country — The desperate search continues in central Texas as at least 169 people remain missing following catastrophic flash floods that swept through the region over the July 4th weekend. Rescuers from more than 10 states have joined local teams in scouring through submerged cabins, overturned trailers, and destroyed homes in what has become one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas in recent history.

Heavy rainfall caused rivers across the Texas Hill Country — particularly the Guadalupe River — to swell rapidly, with water levels rising over 20 feet in some areas in a matter of hours. Entire neighborhoods were consumed, campsites were obliterated, and countless families were caught off guard by the ferocity of the storm.

Emergency crews, supported by volunteers, canine units, helicopters, and drones, are working around the clock in a race against time. “We are going door-to-door, riverbank-to-riverbank, searching for any signs of survivors,” said one search team coordinator. “The scope of this is massive. The devastation is everywhere you look.”

Among the missing are dozens of campers from Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp that was heavily impacted by the rising waters. Several cabins were swept away as floodwaters surged through the property during the early morning hours of July 4. The camp has since confirmed multiple fatalities, with others still unaccounted for.

Reporter Karen Hua, covering the unfolding tragedy, noted the emotional toll on rescue workers and families alike. “There’s heartbreak in every direction,” she said. “But also a fierce determination to bring everyone home — no matter how long it takes.”

Communities throughout the Hill Country, including towns like Kerrville, Hunt, and Ingram, have declared states of emergency. Makeshift shelters have been set up in schools and churches, while donation drives for clothes, supplies, and food are underway. Local residents have opened their homes to displaced families, and lines of volunteers continue to arrive daily.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has promised full state support and said rescue and recovery efforts will continue “until every missing person is found.” He also declared Sunday a statewide day of prayer, asking Texans to unite in support of the victims, first responders, and grieving families.

As the floodwaters recede, what remains is a landscape of destruction — and a community clinging to hope amid tragedy.