Tragic floods claim lives of campers at Camp Mystic

In early July 2025, devastating floods struck Camp Mystic, a summer camp located in the flood-prone area of Central Texas, leading to a tragic loss of at least 27 lives. Two days before the floods, on July 2, a state inspector certified that the camp had an emergency plan in place and confirmed that its cabins and structures were safe for use. This inspection occurred in the context of an impending disaster, as the National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for the area just a day prior, although the camp did not take preventative measures to evacuate campers to higher ground. As floodwaters rapidly rose from 14 feet to 29.5 feet in just one hour, many campers and counselors faced dire circumstances. Reports indicate that a sudden power outage at 4 a.m. disrupted the camp's communication systems, inhibiting the ability to issue urgent alerts about the incoming flood. Many campers were unable to evacuate in time, with some reported to be found clinging to trees after the floodwaters surged. Eyewitness accounts describe how counselors attempted to guide young campers to higher ground, but the speed of the rising waters complicated this effort. Camp Mystic had a total of 557 campers and more than 100 staff at the time of the incident, and there had been no deficiencies noted in the camp's emergency planning as per previous inspections. Nonetheless, the outcomes have raised significant questions about the adequacy of the camp’s emergency procedures, particularly in light of the tragic circumstances that unfolded. As rescue efforts commenced, local and state authorities mobilized resources to search for the missing campers, including five campers and one counselor whose fates remain uncertain. The response from the camp emphasized that they were in communication with relevant authorities as they navigated the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy. This event has sparked wider discussions regarding the safety standards in youth camps, raising awareness about the need for thorough assessments in disaster-prone areas.