Recent media investigations reveal that Camp Mystic's buildings were removed from federal flood risk maps years before a deadly flood struck, raising serious concerns about safety and oversight in flood-prone areas.
Flood Risk Maps Altered Before Tragic Texas Camp Flood
Flood Risk Maps Altered Before Tragic Texas Camp Flood
New reports indicate that Texas summer camp buildings were removed from flood risk maps prior to a devastating flood that resulted in multiple fatalities.
US regulators, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), reportedly permitted the removal of several buildings at Camp Mystic from its official flood risk maps years before a catastrophic flood led to the deaths of 27 children. According to sources including the New York Times and Associated Press, the camp, located adjacent to the Guadalupe River, was initially deemed to have a high risk of flooding on FEMA maps from 2011. However, it successfully contested this classification.
Neither FEMA nor Camp Mystic has publicly commented on these allegations, which have drawn criticism from experts. Sarah Pralle, an associate professor at Syracuse University who specializes in FEMA flood mapping, expressed her disbelief that this riverside camp, particularly catering to children, was granted exemptions from flood risk assessments. "It's extremely troubling," Pralle said.
FEMA's flood maps identified certain cabins within what is classified as a "floodway," where dangerous flooding is likely, while others were situated in a broader area expected to flood at least once every century. Designations like these typically necessitate flood insurance and stricter construction regulations to ensure safety.
Tragically, on July 4, during the early hours, floodwaters surged through Camp Mystic, leading to significant loss of life, including at least 27 young girls. The floods also resulted in at least 129 fatalities across Texas, with many individuals still unaccounted for.
In the aftermath, President Donald Trump toured the affected regions, asserting the government's commitment to support recovery efforts. He faced criticism for dismissing inquiries regarding the adequacy of pre-flood warnings, declaring, "Only an evil person would ask a question like that."
The disastrous flash flood has sparked a national dialogue regarding the efficacy of evacuation procedures and warning systems in such emergencies. Experts note that several factors contributed to the grave consequences of the flood, particularly the pre-dawn timing of the disaster and the camp's vulnerable location.
