Federal regulators exempted Camp Mystic from its flood map requirements, loosening oversight during its operation in a known flood plain. In 2011, FEMA designated the camp in a 'Special Flood Hazard Area,' requiring flood insurance and regulation. Despite warnings about the area's flood risk, the camp operated with minimal regulation. On July 4, historic floods tragically resulted in the loss of at least 27 lives. Experts criticized the lack of proactive safety measures, particularly the decision not to relocate structures away from flood risks while operating in a dangerous zone.
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,' requiring flood insurance and tighter regulation on future construction.
Camp Mystic lost at least 27 campers and counselors and longtime owner Dick Eastland when historic floodwaters tore through its property before dawn on July 4.
It's a mystery to me why they weren't taking proactive steps to move structures away from the risk, let alone challenging what seems like a very reasonable map.
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