Devastating floods at Blue Oak RV Park over the Fourth of July weekend have led to at least 109 confirmed deaths, chaos as families sought safety, and a scene of destruction with every RV destroyed.

The catastrophic flooding, exacerbated by rapidly rising waters from the Guadalupe River, overwhelmed the Blue Oak RV Park just hours after it was fully booked for holiday celebrations. As families fled for their lives, more than 40 people remain missing alongside the confirmed fatalities, including 30 children from Kerr County. The owner, Lorena Guillen, described scenes of terror as RVs and cars were swept away, highlighting the tragic toll of this unforeseen disaster and the urgent need for recovery efforts.

Guillen witnessed the harrowing moments as she attempted to rescue the Burgess family, who were caught in the swirling waters. As she and others urged them to throw their children to safety, the family was swept away in the chaos. "I was just yelling for them to throw the kids, but they all disappeared so quickly," Guillen recounted, emphasizing the desperation that enveloped the campground during those early hours.

The flooding struck at approximately 4 a.m. after water levels rose suddenly, exceeding 10 feet over the banks of the Guadalupe River. Guillen, who had gone to bed shortly after closing her bar at 1 a.m., checked the river around 2:30 a.m. when it appeared to be calm. The rapid onset of flooding caught many residents and visitors off guard, leading to frantic escapes as water poured into the campground.

In the aftermath, the scene at Blue Oak RV Park revealed extensive destruction, with Guillen stating that every one of the 28 RVs on-site was destroyed. The remnants of the park now include splintered vehicles, uprooted trees, and personal belongings strewn in the mud. Local families, some of whom had traveled to celebrate Independence Day, now face the grief of lost loved ones and property.

Local authorities have been working diligently to recover individuals and assess the damage caused by the floods. As recovery efforts continue, Guillen reported that eight bodies had been found on the grounds of Blue Oak RV Park. The somber reality of the situation has prompted local officials to launch a thorough search for more than 40 individuals still unaccounted for, with at least 109 people confirmed dead in the flooding.

Emergency response teams and volunteers have mobilized, conducting searches in the affected areas. Rescuers have been using boats and helicopters to navigate through the remnants of the RV park and surrounding regions, looking for any signs of missing persons. Recovery operations have been hindered by debris and unstable conditions of the flooded areas, but teams remain steadfast in their efforts.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, support initiatives have begun to take shape. Local organizations are coordinating supplies for displaced families and offering mental health services for those traumatized by the events. Fundraising efforts are also underway to assist victims and their families in the long recoveries ahead.

The scale of tragedy has drawn attention to the need for improved emergency response protocols in flood-prone areas. Local officials are expected to reevaluate safety measures, particularly in campgrounds situated near rivers. The community is seeking answers regarding preparedness and response capabilities to prevent such a devastating event from occurring again in the future.