Federal regulators granted appeals allowing Camp Mystic to operate and expand despite its inclusion in a 100-year flood zone. The camp, located along the Guadalupe River, experienced catastrophic flooding on July 4, resulting in the loss of 27 lives. This flood was significantly more severe than the 100-year event predicted by FEMA. Experts criticized the lack of proactive safety measures and emphasized the disturbing nature of the camp receiving exemptions from basic flood regulations.
Federal regulators repeatedly granted appeals to remove Camp Mystic's buildings from their 100-year flood map, loosening oversight as the camp operated and expanded in a dangerous flood plain.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency included the prestigious girls' summer camp in a 'Special Flood Hazard Area' in its National Flood Insurance map for Kerr County in 2011.
Experts indicated that the flood was far more severe than the 100-year event envisioned by FEMA, moving quickly and catching many off guard.
Syracuse University associate professor Sarah Pralle stated it was 'particularly disturbing' that a camp responsible for young people's safety received exemptions from flood regulations.
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