Camp Director Sobs During Testimony on Efforts to Save Girls from Flood The director of Camp Mystic, where 27 young girls and counselors died in historic flooding last year, sobbed in a Texas courtroom Monday as he struggled to recall his desperate attempts to evacuate children in the dark as river water surged through the camp. The incident, which occurred during a severe weather event in the spring of 2023, left the community in shock and prompted a thorough investigation into the camp’s safety protocols. The camp, located near the banks of the Brazos River, had been a popular summer destination for families in the region. On the day of the disaster, torrential rains caused the river to swell beyond its banks, submerging the camp within hours. Despite the rapid rise in water levels, the director and staff worked tirelessly to move as many children and counselors to higher ground, but the situation quickly became overwhelming. Testimony in the courtroom revealed that the director, who had been on duty during the flood, faced immense pressure to act swiftly. He described the chaos of the night, the sound of rushing water, and the fear of losing children to the rising waters. “I couldn’t see anything but the dark, and I knew every second counted,” he said, his voice trembling. “We tried to move everyone, but the water was everywhere.” The tragedy has sparked debates about emergency preparedness in recreational facilities and the need for stricter safety regulations. Local officials have called for a review of the camp’s flood mitigation plans, while families of the victims have demanded accountability. The director, who has since been placed on administrative leave, is facing legal scrutiny over his actions during the crisis.#director #climate_change #camp_mystic #brazos_river #flood
