SHOCKING UPDATE from Texas Police: Helicopter Picks Up SOS From Rooftop — Team Discovers 10 More Missing Girls Huddled Inside Old Observatory

A Texas National Guard helicopter patrolling flood-ravaged Kerr County spotted an SOS signal painted in bright orange on the rooftop of an abandoned observatory near Comfort. Inside, rescuers found ten missing girls from Camp Mystic, huddled together after surviving days of isolation following the July 4 floods that killed at least 81 people. The discovery, described as “shocking” by Sheriff Larry Leitha, has renewed hope in a community devastated by loss.

The Guadalupe River’s 26-foot surge in 45 minutes obliterated Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, leaving 27 campers missing. The observatory, 10 miles downstream, became a refuge for the girls, aged 8 to 13, who were swept away by the floodwaters. The SOS was painted by 13-year-old Emma, who found art supplies in the building. “We thought we’d be forgotten,” she told rescuers. The girls survived on rainwater collected in buckets and a stash of canned goods left behind.

The helicopter, equipped with infrared technology, spotted the signal during a routine sweep. “That SOS was a lifeline,” said pilot Major Sarah Nguyen. A ground team reached the observatory, finding the girls weak but uninjured. They had barricaded the door against wildlife and used blankets for warmth. The observatory, unused for years, shielded them from subsequent rains.

The girls were airlifted to Arcadia Live in Kerrville, where emotional reunions unfolded. Their discovery reduced the number of missing campers to 17. Kerr County, with 75 deaths, remains the epicenter of the crisis, with 1,700 responders involved. Governor Greg Abbott praised the rescue, stating, “Every life saved is a victory.” The observatory, now a symbol of survival, has inspired the community to keep searching.

The floods’ scale has overwhelmed Texas. The National Weather Service reported that river gauges failed after recording a 29.5-foot crest. Rescue operations, involving 167 helicopters and drones, face challenges from debris and unstable terrain. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is supporting victims, while schools and churches serve as shelters. Emma’s quick thinking with the SOS signal has been hailed as heroic, with her family calling her a “beacon of hope.”

The discovery has prompted reviews of flood preparedness in rural areas. Experts note that the observatory’s elevated location likely saved the girls, raising questions about camp site safety. Community members, including local artists, are creating murals to honor the survivors, while volunteers distribute supplies. The floods have displaced hundreds, with temporary housing set up at Ingram Elementary.

As searches continue for the remaining girls, the observatory rescue underscores the power of ingenuity. Families of the missing are sharing stories on social media, hoping for similar miracles. The community’s resilience, coupled with the girls’ survival, has drawn national attention, with donations pouring into relief funds. Texas remains on edge, with more rain forecast, but the SOS signal’s discovery keeps hope alive.