Texas Camp Leader Delayed Evacuation After Flood Warning, Leading to Tragedy
Newly released details reveal that the Camp Mystic director, Richard Eastland, delayed initiating an evacuation of the all-girls camp for over an hour after receiving a severe flood warning from the National Weather Service. During this time, heavy rain persisted, and river levels continued to rise. The director, who later died in the flood, consulted with family members, also camp staff, before ordering the evacuation, which ultimately began at 2:30 am. The delay led to chaotic conditions, leaving teenage counselors to make critical decisions and contributing to the tragedy that claimed 27 lives. In addition to the investigation of the camp, the search and recovery operations in Kerr County, where 132 people died, are expected to last up to six months.
John Q. Hosedrinker