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Camp Mystic Devastated: 27 Dead in Texas Floods, New Safety Laws Passed

The deadliest floods in Texas history have left Camp Mystic in ruins. New laws aim to prevent future tragedies, but the fate of other nearby camps remains uncertain.

This is a picture. In this image we can see some text, buildings, water, roof, poles, tents, grass,...
This is a picture. In this image we can see some text, buildings, water, roof, poles, tents, grass, ground, trees.

Camp Mystic Devastated: 27 Dead in Texas Floods, New Safety Laws Passed

Camp Mystic, a renowned summer camp for girls from prominent families in the American South, has been devastated by the deadliest floods in Texas history. The camp, which has hosted notable figures like Lyndon Johnson and Laura Bush, was severely damaged, and 27 people lost their lives. The tragedy has sparked a review of safety measures and led to new regulations.

The floods, which have claimed at least 135 lives including 37 children, and left three people missing, have brought into question the safety of camps built on floodplains. Douglas Weissinger, who was planning to send his daughter to Camp Mystic, lost his grandmother and sister in the disaster. A researcher has found that too many human settlements were built on floodplains, leaving no room for rivers to expand during heavy rainfall.

In 2011, FEMA maps placed much of Camp Mystic in a high-risk flood zone. However, the camp successfully petitioned to remove buildings from the zone. After the 2025 floods, the government passed the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, prohibiting overnight stays in flood-prone cabins and requiring immediate evacuation during flood warnings. The act also allowed the removal of these buildings from the risk area following successful petitions. About a dozen other nearby camps are now facing an uncertain future due to the floods.

The devastating floods at Camp Mystic have highlighted the need for stricter safety measures and better planning in areas prone to flooding. The Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act is a step towards ensuring the safety of campers and staff in the future. The fate of other nearby camps remains uncertain as authorities assess the damage and consider the best course of action.

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