TL;DR
The viral story about two girls being rescued from a tree in Central Texas has been debunked. Officials confirm that at least 82 people are dead, and 11 from Camp Mystic are still missing. Rescue efforts continue as more rain is forecast. False rescue stories serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation during emergencies.
Was the “two girls found in a tree” story true?
As Central Texas reels from one of the deadliest floods in recent memory, a widely circulated social media post sparked fleeting hope: two girls were allegedly found alive, clinging to a 27-foot tree near Center Point and Comfort, Texas. The claim was made by volunteer rescuer Cord Shiflet and picked up by several outlets, including The Daily Times.
But within 48 hours, that story collapsed.
Texas Rep. Chip Roy, local law enforcement, and national reporters like Nick Sortor and Steve Lookner all disputed the account. Several news organizations that initially ran with the story have since issued corrections or retractions. AP News, Click2Houston, and others now confirm: the rescue did not happen.
In disaster zones, misinformation can spread as fast as the water rises. This story is now a cautionary example.
What is the confirmed status of the Texas flooding?
The floodwaters, however, are tragically real.
As of Monday, at least 82 people have died in the devastating floods that struck Central Texas following historic rainfall. According to Reuters and the National Weather Service, parts of the Concho Valley and Kerr County received more than 20 inches of rain in under 48 hours. One stretch of the Guadalupe River surged by over 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
More than 850 people have been rescued by emergency personnel, including boat, helicopter, and K9 teams. Over 400 first responders are continuing the search for survivors and the missing along a 30-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River.
President Trump signed a federal disaster declaration, unlocking funds and support from FEMA and other federal agencies. In a press briefing, Governor Greg Abbott warned of more flash floods in the coming days due to saturated ground and ongoing rainfall.
“If you’re anywhere near the riverbanks or low-lying areas, get to higher ground immediately,” Abbott said.
What happened at Camp Mystic?
The heart of the emotional crisis centers on Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp for girls in Kerr County, situated near the Guadalupe River. During the sudden surge of floodwater over the weekend, a group of campers and counselors were caught in rising currents.
As of Tuesday morning:
- 10 campers and 1 counselor remain missing
- Camp director Richard Eastland, known as “Mr. Dick,” died while trying to help with evacuation efforts
- Videos from surviving campers show girls singing campfire songs as they evacuated—some crying, others clutching backpacks
According to local officials, the river rose so quickly that many campers had no time to react. The camp had not yet fully implemented emergency procedures when the water hit.
“It went from ankle-deep to over their heads in minutes,” said one responder on the scene.
Helicopters, drones, and sonar are now being used to scan the riverbanks and submerged trees.
What makes this flood especially dangerous?
Texas is no stranger to floods. The region from San Antonio to Austin is often referred to as “Flash Flood Alley”, due to its combination of steep terrain, clay soil, and unpredictable storm systems. But even for seasoned meteorologists, this event stands out.
Key factors that made it deadly:
- Historic Rainfall: Some areas recorded 2 years’ worth of rain in 2 days
- Overnight Surge: The worst flooding occurred overnight Saturday, catching many off guard
- Lack of Early Warnings: Not all campers and residents received alerts before waters began rising
- Communication Gaps: Downed towers and power outages made rescues harder to coordinate
Experts say climate change may be contributing to more frequent and intense flooding in regions like Central Texas. Urban sprawl, inadequate drainage systems, and outdated flood maps all exacerbate the problem.
Why the misinformation matters
In any crisis, public trust in rescue efforts and information flow is vital. The now-debunked “girls in a tree” story, while uplifting at first glance, ultimately distracted resources and spread confusion.
Here’s why stories like this are harmful:
- They create false hope for families still awaiting news of loved ones.
- They strain already overworked rescue teams who must chase down leads.
- They spread rapidly, often outpacing factual updates.
Social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are being urged by local officials to verify posts related to rescue claims during active emergencies.
“We understand the desire to believe in miracles—but right now, we need facts, not fiction,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County.
What’s next for Central Texas?
The situation remains fluid. More rain is forecast over the next 48 hours, especially around the Concho Valley, which is already inundated. Flash flood watches are still in effect.
In the coming days, the focus will remain on:
- Rescuing the missing
- Providing shelter to the displaced
- Beginning recovery for towns like Comfort, Kerrville, and Center Point
State and federal authorities are working to reassess safety measures at summer camps, improve river warning systems, and update evacuation protocols for high-risk zones.
