Young girls, as young as 7 years old, were abruptly roused from sleep by the catastrophic flooding that wreaked havoc on their cherished Camp Mystic. A detailed account of the heartbreaking event unveils...
In the heart of Texas' Kerr County, Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp along the Guadalupe River, was hit by a devastating flash flood on the morning of July 4, 2025. The flood, which occurred in a region known as "flash flood alley," was a tragic reminder of the area's vulnerability to sudden and severe floods.
Despite being designated as a "Special Flood Hazard Area" by FEMA in 2011, Camp Mystic's buildings were removed from the 100-year flood map due to appeals granted by FEMA, resulting in less stringent flood oversight and regulation on the camp's expansions. The flood that struck Camp Mystic was far worse than the 100-year event FEMA predicted, moving so rapidly that it caught many by surprise, including the lack of a formal warning system.
As heavy rains started pouring, campers peacefully sleeping in their cabins were suddenly awakened. Counselors rushed to bring water to the children while they waited, and some managed to guide them to higher ground. However, the floodwaters tore through the camp before dawn, reaching chest-deep levels in some cabins and causing catastrophic destruction.
The floodwaters caught many by surprise, including the camp owner Dick Eastland and his son, Edward Eastland, who told the girls at Bug House cabin to quickly grab pillows and blankets and evacuate to the recreation hall. The emergency weather alert warned of life-threatening flash flooding, but it was too late for some.
Tragically, at least 27 campers and counselors, including the camp owner, lost their lives trying to save others. Among the victims were children as young as eight years old. The aftermath involved a massive search and rescue operation, with dozens still missing days after the flood. The tragedy became the deadliest natural disaster in the region, with at least 120 dead across Texas Hill Country, and 75 fatalities in Kerr County alone.
The flood incident at Camp Mystic has left a trail of heartbreak and emotional impact on families and the community. The camp's staff, including counselors Silvana Garza Valdez, María Paula Zárate, and Laney Owens, showed incredible courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Nancy Clement, the camp photographer, climbed onto the roof of a cabin with her phone, wallet, and a stuffed animal, providing a testament to the human spirit's determination.
Camp Mystic and local authorities have expressed their heartbreak and committed to resolving the crisis and supporting the affected families. The girls at Camp Mystic, despite the tragedy, found solace in each other and in their faith. They saw a rainbow and interpreted it as a sign from God, a symbol of hope amidst the devastation. The campers spent the night on the second floor of the recreation hall with only flashlights for light, singing camp and worship songs, praying, and sleeping until the rain stopped.
In the wake of this tragic event, questions about flood safety and FEMA regulations have been raised, and discussions about improving warning systems and flood zone regulations are ongoing. The community of Camp Mystic and the families affected by this disaster continue to grieve, but they also find strength in each other and in the memories of the time they spent at Camp Mystic.
Us, devastated by the tragic events at Camp Mystic, are closely following the general news about the accidents that occurred. Despite the area's vulnerability to car-accidents and severe weather conditions, including flash floods, proper safety measures were not implemented as expected, leading to a catastrophe that took the lives of at least 27 campers and counselors.
