Campers at Camp Mystic awoke on Independence Day, July 4, to a scene of destruction following heavy rains and flooding.
On July 4, 2025, a storm hit Camp Mystic in Texas, causing flooding and resulting in at least 27 reported deaths. The event took place two days after the Texas Department of State Health Services had signed off on the camp's emergency plans.
The storm and driving rain woke up Georgia and Eloise Jones, sisters who were campers at Camp Mystic, at around 1 a.m. Initially, they thought the storm was normal, but as the rain continued and the flooding of another cabin became apparent, they realised something was amiss.
The camp, which had 557 campers and 108 staffers across its Guadalupe and Cypress Lake locations, had a written emergency plan in place. The plan covered disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, serious accidents, epidemics, or fatalities. The camp's staff and volunteers were trained on these procedures during training sessions and volunteer briefings.
However, the specific details of the plan were not disclosed in the records released by the state. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the camp's preparedness for such a disaster.
The flood at Camp Mystic was particularly concerning for Georgia and Eloise, as their cabins were located high up. Within an hour or so, campers from another cabin showed up at their door, saying their cabin had been flooded.
In the aftermath of the disaster, more details about the events at Camp Mystic can be found on our website, including reports contributed by Laura Romero.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of proper emergency planning and the need for transparency in such matters.
[1] Texas Department of State Health Services (2025). Camp Mystic Emergency Plan Approval. Retrieved from [website] [2] Romero, L. (2025). Camp Mystic Flood: What We Know So Far. Retrieved from [website] [3] Texas Department of State Health Services (2025). Camp Mystic Emergency Plan Compliance. Retrieved from [website]
The flooding at Camp Mystic was a severe health concern, considering the seemingly inadequate transparency regarding the specifics of their emergency plan, raising questions about the camp's overall preparedness for disasters.
The general-news coverage of the Camp Mystic flood has highlighted the need for scrupulous emergency planning and transparency, considering the tragic accident and subsequent loss of lives.
