Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp in Kerr County, was granted repeated exemptions from flood regulations by federal agencies despite being designated as a "Special Flood Hazard Area" by FEMA in 2011. This designation required flood insurance and stricter construction oversight. The camp, situated in a flood-prone area, faced disastrous consequences during a severe flood on July 4, which resulted in at least 27 fatalities. Experts criticized the lack of proactive measures to relocate structures away from the identified flood risk, raising serious concerns about safety protocols in place at the camp.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency included Camp Mystic in a "Special Flood Hazard Area" in its National Flood Insurance map for Kerr County in 2011.
Experts indicated that the July 4 flood was far more severe than the 100-year event envisioned by FEMA, catching many off guard in Kerr County.
Syracuse University associate professor Sarah Pralle noted it was particularly disturbing for a camp responsible for the safety of young people to receive exemptions from flood regulations.
The camp located along the Guadalupe River in a low-lying area lost at least 27 campers and counselors during the historic flooding on July 4.
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