NJ Native Credited with Saving 165 from Camp Mystic During Deadly Texas Floods

Devastating Flash Floods in Central Texas

• ⚠️ The Independence Day flood in central Texas is one of the deadliest in the US in the past 100 years, with the death toll rising to at least 94 people.
• 💔 Kirk County was the hardest hit area, where 75 people were killed, including 27 children attending an all-girls Christian summer camp called Camp Mystic.
• 🌊 The Guadalupe River rose to its second-highest level ever, sweeping through Camp Mystic early Friday morning while children were sleeping.

Heroic Rescue at Camp Mystic

• 🏊‍♂️ US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskin, a New Jersey native, arrived at Camp Mystic as the only first responder on scene.
• 🆘 He is credited with saving 165 victims from the camp, moving them to higher ground for evacuation.
• 💪 Ruskin highlighted the bravery of the children on the ground, stating their strength inspired him to help.

Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts

• 🔍 Crews from 20 agencies are continuing the search for 10 missing campers and counselors using boats, dogs, drones, helicopters, and on foot.
• ⛈️ The search is in its fourth day and continues despite thunderstorms moving through the area.

Questions Regarding Warnings and Response

• 🗣️ Some, like New York Senator Chuck Schumer, have questioned whether budget cuts impacted the National Weather Service's staffing and contributed to the high death toll.
• 😴 However, the weather service stated that appropriate warnings were issued, but the most urgent ones came in the middle of the night when people were sleeping.
• 🏛️ President Trump is expected to visit central Texas to survey the destruction and meet with affected families.