Summary
Federal regulators allowed Camp Mystic's buildings to be removed from a high-risk flood map, despite its location in a flood-prone area. This decision lessened oversight, and when severe flooding occurred, it resulted in the loss of campers and counselors, with significant damages.
Key Facts
- FEMA once included Camp Mystic in a high-risk flood area map in 2011, requiring flood insurance and stricter building regulations.
- A 100-year flood refers to a flood with a 1% chance of happening each year.
- The camp lost lives and suffered damage during a severe flood on July 4.
- FEMA amended the flood map in 2013 and later years to remove several camp buildings from the hazard area.
- Removing buildings from the flood map made it easier for the camp to avoid insurance requirements and build or renovate structures more cheaply.
- Experts say the camp's risk was known, with several structures in high-risk flood zones.
- Critics argue that changing the map was questionable as it compromised safety.
