Records made public on Tuesday indicate that Camp Mystic’s disaster response plan was approved only days prior to the tragic flooding that claimed over 20 lives at the all-girls Christian summer camp.
According to state health department documentation, the Kerr County camp adhered to state requirements concerning “procedures implemented in case of a disaster.” However, documents reviewed by the Associated Press revealed that the camp’s evacuation plans were somewhat ambiguous.
Since severe rainfall started in Texas’ Hill Country over the weekend, more than 100 individuals have lost their lives in record flooding. Out of the 109 fatalities reported in the state, the camp sadly accounted for the loss of at least 27 children and a counselor, with the majority of the deaths occurring in Kerr County.
Authorities have stated that over 160 individuals have been reported missing in the aftermath.
“There are far more deadly things than Hurricane Harvey, and that’s what’s heartbreaking,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott remarked during a press briefing on Tuesday, referencing the 2017 storm that resulted in over 100 casualties.
Charlotte Lauten, a 19-year-old former camper, mentioned that she doesn’t recall receiving any guidance on what to do in a weather emergency.
“Counselors typically conduct orientation training just a week before camp starts and give a quick rundown of such procedures,” Lauten explained to the Associated Press.
She added, “In that moment, it was pitch black—you couldn’t see more than five feet in front of you. There was no light; I’ve never experienced darkness like that.”
A recent inspection by Texas officials confirmed that Camp Mystic complies with health and safety regulations.
Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Health, informed Newswire that no weather emergency reports from summer camps have been received by the state.
“We don’t possess any. You have to obtain that information directly from the camp,” Anton stated.
“Inspectors have verified that plans are displayed for these protocols in all buildings,” she added in a message to the Associated Press.
