Three young girls — Emily Rivera, Zoey Nash, and Hope Lin — were found alive nearly ten days after disappearing during devastating floods near Camp Wrenwood, Texas. A volunteer hiker heard faint cries and discovered the girls sheltering inside a hollow oak tree just a mile from the camp.
Emergency responders found them using wet towels for warmth and a makeshift bark-and-shoelace door to shield against rain. They had survived by collecting rainwater in plastic wrappers, drinking from leaves, and wringing water from their clothes.
Their survival is credited to a recent wilderness safety drill, where they learned three crucial rules: *“Stay dry. Stay together. Stay quiet.”*
Though dehydrated and bitten by insects, doctors expect a full recovery. A paramedic noted, *“They stayed emotionally strong by talking about their mothers.”*
The story sparked nationwide celebration. Hashtags like #HollowTreeHeroes trended across social media, and church bells rang in tribute to the girls’ courage and resilience.
