Camp Mystic Disaster Plan Approved Days Before Deadly Central Texas Flood
Texas state inspectors approved Camp Mystic’s emergency preparedness plan just 48 hours before catastrophic flooding killed more than 24 people at the all-girls Christian summer camp. The majority of victims were children attending the camp’s summer program.
The timing raises critical questions about the adequacy of emergency protocols at youth facilities across Central Texas. State officials had reviewed and signed off on the camp’s disaster response procedures on Tuesday, according to regulatory documents. The deadly flood struck Thursday morning, overwhelming the facility’s emergency systems.
Camp Mystic, located in the Texas Hill Country, housed approximately 200 campers and staff when torrential rains triggered flash flooding throughout the region. The camp’s emergency plan reportedly included evacuation procedures and communication protocols designed to protect participants during severe weather events.
Emergency responders worked through the night to rescue survivors from the flooded campgrounds. Local authorities have not yet released details about whether the approved emergency plan was properly implemented during the crisis.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest flooding incidents at a Texas youth facility in recent memory. State regulators are expected to launch a comprehensive investigation into the camp’s emergency response and the effectiveness of current safety standards for summer camps statewide.
Families of victims have begun arriving at the scene as authorities continue recovery efforts in the flood-damaged area.
