Talking Dateline: After the Flood
- Jul 1, 2026
- 31:49
- Full Episode
<p>NBC News National Correspondent Morgan Chesky sits down with Lester Holt to discuss his episode “After The Flood.” On July 4, 2025, Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located in the Texas Hill Country along the banks of the Guadalupe River, was devastated by a catastrophic flash flood. Described as a one-in-a-thousand-year storm, water levels rose rapidly, trapping campers and counselors in their cabins, while others tried to seek higher ground. Of the 119 people who lost their lives in Kerr County, 27 were Camp Mystic campers and counselors. Morgan shares memories of growing up in the Texas Hill Country and what it was like to return home and cover the storm’s heartbreaking aftermath. Lester reflects on interviewing a young survivor and the grieving mothers who continue to seek answers about what happened and whether more could have been done. Plus, they answer your questions from social media.</p> <p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252 – your question could be featured in an upcoming episode.</p> <p>Listen to the full episode of “After the Flood”: <a href="https://swap.fm/l/aftertheflood" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://swap.fm/l/aftertheflood</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
Lester Holt discusses the Texas flood tragedy at Camp Mystic, focusing on loss, community response, and the need for better flood warning systems.
Key points
- After the Flood. Lester Holtz discusses the devastating Texas flood of July 4, 2025, and its impact.
- The Loss at Camp Mystic. 27 young girls lost their lives at Camp Mystic during the flood, a tragedy that shocked the community.
- The Burden of Grief. Mothers share their experiences of loss and coping after the tragedy at Camp Mystic.
- Polarization in the Community. The community is divided on accountability and the reopening of Camp Mystic after the tragedy.
- The Importance of Warning Systems. A former commissioner discusses missed opportunities for flood warning systems that could have saved lives.
- The Search for Seal Stewart. The search continues for the last missing girl, Seal Stewart, as hope remains.
Episode highlights
- After the FloodLester Holtz discusses the devastating Texas flood of July 4, 2025, and its impact.“This was a tough one. This was a tough one.”0:53Jul 1, 2026
- The Loss at Camp Mystic27 young girls lost their lives at Camp Mystic during the flood, a tragedy that shocked the community.“There were no rafters for them to cling to.”3:33Jul 1, 2026
- The Burden of GriefMothers share their experiences of loss and coping after the tragedy at Camp Mystic.“I so admired those women and their strength and their determination to fight on behalf of their children.”6:47Jul 1, 2026
- Polarization in the CommunityThe community is divided on accountability and the reopening of Camp Mystic after the tragedy.“There's clearly this polarization, but there's also this sense of tread carefully.”11:34Jul 1, 2026
- The Importance of Warning SystemsA former commissioner discusses missed opportunities for flood warning systems that could have saved lives.“Would a flood warning system, in your view, have saved lives on July 4th?”17:43Jul 1, 2026
- The Search for Seal StewartThe search continues for the last missing girl, Seal Stewart, as hope remains.“There is still a search for her.”26:58Jul 1, 2026
- A Heroic CounselorA young counselor saved 16 girls during the disaster, earning her recognition as a hero.“She was a hero.”28:03Jul 1, 2026
- Grieving TogetherThe importance of allowing people to grieve in their own way is emphasized.“The most important thing is that people are allowed to grieve.”29:45Jul 1, 2026






