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As devastating flash floods ravaged Central Texas from July 4–7, a deeply felt but ultimately false rumor spread of two girls miraculously rescued from a tree—reflecting both the emotional toll of the disaster and the dangers of misinformation in emergency situations.
📈 A Hopeful Tale That Never Was
A viral Facebook Live video by volunteer rescuer Cord Shiflet claimed two children had been found clinging to a tree roughly 27 feet high near Comfort, Texas. Shiflet stated they had been holding on for over 24 hours and were found six miles downstream. This claim was quickly shared thousands of times, offering a glimmer of hope amid mounting tragedy.
Local outlet The Kerr County Lead even ran the story after eyewitness accounts and on-site reports. But by July 6, authorities, including Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, declared the account “100% inaccurate”. Texas Representative Chip Roy publicly confirmed the rumor was false.
🌊 Crisis Context: Flash Floods Fuel Rapid Rumor Spread
Central Texas, particularly Kerr County along the Guadalupe River, experienced between 5–11 inches of rain within hours, causing water levels to rise over 20 feet and triggering sudden, catastrophic flooding.
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Human toll: More than 118 confirmed dead (including 94 in Kerr County) and around 180 still missing .
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Camp Mystic tragedy: Many victims were girls at Camp Mystic—an all-girls Christian summer camp near Hunt. At least 5 campers and a counselor have died, with several more missing .
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Emergency operations: Over 850 people were rescued, teams from across agencies and even Mexico mobilized, and a federal disaster declaration was issued by President Trump.
📰 How Misinformation Took Root
Several factors contributed to the spread of this false rescue story:
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Emotional amplification: Communities desperately sought hopeful news amid despair.
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Unverified eyewitnesses: Volunteer firefighters and social media sources claimed to witness the rescue.
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Media haste: Local outlets prioritized the human-interest angle without official confirmation .
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Viral social feeds: Facebook and other platforms amplified the story before fact-checking could occur.
PolitiFact and others have highlighted the necessity for fact-checking, especially during disasters .
📌 Lessons in Crisis Communication
1. Fact-Check Before Publishing
Even under pressure, news outlets must verify claims with official sources. As The Kerr County Lead acknowledged, reliance solely on eyewitness accounts can lead to serious errors.
2. Cautious Social Sharing
Acts of goodwill—such as spreading hopeful reports—can inadvertently amplify false information. Public figures and platforms must promote restraint.
3. Strengthen Early Warning Systems
Flash Flood Alley, encompassing Central Texas, has long been at risk. The dramatic flood surge—over 20 feet in under two hours—underscores the need for upgraded warning systems
4. Support Journalistic Accountability
Community trust hinges on transparent reporting: what was known, when, and from whom. Reviewing reporting missteps is vital for future crises .
✅ Final Takeaway
The false narrative of two girls rescued from a tree amid Texas floods exemplifies how hope-driven misinformation can spread swiftly during crises. Balanced reporting, reliance on verified sources, and robust warning infrastructure are essential to managing emergencies and maintaining public trust.