Camp Mystic Fails Safety Inspections After Deadly Flood

Texas state regulators have identified nearly two dozen deficiencies in the emergency operations plan submitted by Camp Mystic, which is seeking to reopen less than a year after a tragic flood. The all-girls Christian camp aims to resume operations in late May on a section of its campus that was not impacted by the disaster. This move has sparked anger among families of the 27 children and counselors who perished in the flood, with some having initiated lawsuits against the camp. Several prominent state officials have urged that the license be denied or delayed pending ongoing investigations.

The deficiencies noted in an 11-page letter from the Department of State Health Services include issues with flood warning and evacuation procedures, the use of emergency warning systems, and the training of campers on safety protocols. These findings come shortly after a court hearing where camp operators acknowledged missing official flood warnings and delaying evacuation efforts. Camp Mystic has been given the opportunity to revise its emergency plan and has stated its intention to work with the agency to address the cited problems.

The camp's emergency plan was submitted as part of newly implemented strict guidelines by state lawmakers following the deadly flood, which tragically resulted in over 130 deaths along the Guadalupe River. Texas lawmakers are scheduled to hold hearings on the events surrounding the flood. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about safety and preparedness in the wake of the disaster, with regulators and families seeking accountability and assurance for future safety.