Camp Counselors Say They Wrote Girls' Names on Their Bodies in Case They Were Swept Away by Texas Floodwaters
Silvana Garza and Maria Paula said that they "put on a happy face" for the campers, who began to panic after realizing the tragedy that was unfolding
Camp Mystic confirmed on July 7 that 27 campers and counselors died due to the 'catastrophic flooding"Two camp counselors say they wrote girls' names on their bodies in case they were swept away by floodwaters during the Texas flood disaster.
Silvana Garza and Maria Paula told Mexican news outlet NMas on Sunday, July 6, that they began to 'write our names on our skin, anywhere that was visible' as floodwaters began to rise near Camp Mystic on Friday, July 4, according to The New York Post.
In the Spanish-language interview, the teenagers said they were working at a nearby branch when survivors who were evacuated from Camp Mystic arrived at their site.
After writing their own names on themselves, Silvana and Maria said they 'did the same for girls' attending the camp, ensuring they were written 'anywhere that was easy to see.'
'At the time, we started to prepare our girls because we thought we were also going to be evacuated,' Maria said, according to the Post. 'We told them to pack a bag, to pack their favorite stuffed animal. We didn't know if we were going to be evacuated or not. We were just waiting.'
The counselors were instructed to 'put on a happy face' in order to not frighten the campers. But the campers eventually caught on to the tragedy, and some began to panic.
'All of the girls started to go crazy, some were crying because they didn't want to leave," Silvana recalled. 'Others wanted their parents. I really don't know how to explain it. It was something awful.'
The campers and counselors were eventually evacuated from their spot, after which they learned about the extent of the tragedy.
Authorities in Texas have said more than 80 people died from the flash flooding, according to the Associated Press.
Camp Mystic confirmed on Monday, July 7, that 27 campers and counselors died due to the 'catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River.'
'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,' the camp said in a statement. 'We are praying for them constantly.'
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They added, "We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls."
Camp Mystic said they "are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level."
"We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected," they added. "May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us."
To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.
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