The Texas flood disaster struck Camp Mystic with deadly force, killing at least 27 campers and leaving many more missing.<\/p>\n
Two surviving counselors, Silvana Garza Valdez and Mar\u00eda Paula Z\u00e1rate, are now speaking out about the horror they endured while caring for young girls as floodwaters rose.<\/p>\n
With about 750 children at the Christian girls’ camp along the Guadalupe River, chaos erupted when floodwaters surged. Silvana and Mar\u00eda, stationed at the Cypress Lake site, made a heartbreaking decision: they wrote the campers\u2019 names on their bodies in case they were swept away, so they could be identified.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did the same for the girls,\u201d Mar\u00eda told Mexican news outlet NMas.<\/p>\n
To avoid panic, the counselors put on brave faces and told the girls to pack their bags and stuffed animals for possible evacuation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the girls started to go crazy,\u201d Silvana recalled. \u201cSome cried, others begged for their parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without phones or news access, the campers were unaware of the full tragedy until much later.<\/p>\n
As of Tuesday, five campers and one counselor remain missing. Over 1,500 state workers are aiding in rescue efforts.<\/p>\n
Camp Mystic said in a statement: \u201cOur hearts are broken\u2026 We ask for prayers, respect, and privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n