Texas lawmakers have set up special investigative committees to look into the terrible flooding that happened on July 4. The event killed at least 136 people in central Texas. This number includes 27 young girls and counselors at Camp Mystic. On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows said that the Senate and House General Investigating Committees would look into what went wrong during the terrible disaster.
Camp Was Hit by Terrible Flash Floods
The tragedy happened when heavy rain made the Guadalupe River’s water levels rise from 3 feet to 30 feet in just a few hours. The terrible floodwaters swept through Camp Mystic just before dawn on July 4. Many of the youngest victims were staying in cabins that were closest to the riverbank. Months after the disaster, one young camper is still missing.
Committee to Ask Camp for Answers
Patrick said in the announcement, “The families who lost their precious daughters and all Texans deserve to know exactly what happened on July 4th.” Along with other people who were involved in the flooding, Camp Mystic officials will be asked to testify in front of the joint committees. Patrick was shocked that the camp has already started signing up kids for next year’s session. There are still many questions that need to be answered.
New rules for safety go into effect across the state
After the tragedy, Governor Greg Abbott made safety rules for camps in Texas stricter. The new rules say that local governments must put up outdoor sirens and warning systems in areas that are likely to flood. Camps must now set up emergency alert systems and teach staff how to evacuate. They must make detailed emergency plans. Additionally, they must ensure cabins are not near floodplains and keep in touch with campers and staff during emergencies.
Disagreement About Plans to Reopen Camp
Camp Mystic said it would reopen next summer, which has upset families who are still grieving. The older part of the camp along the Guadalupe River was badly damaged and won’t reopen until 2026. However, Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, which is located uphill and wasn’t affected by the floodwaters, is set to open in the summer of 2026. “Camp Mystic let our daughters down,” said CiCi Steward, the mother of missing camper Cile. She was worried about the camp moving forward while her daughter’s body may still be in the river.
A Full Investigation Is Coming
The legislative investigation will look into what caused the damage at Camp Mystic. It will come up with ways to make Texas better prepared for flooding and other natural disasters. Speaker Burrows said that even though steps have been taken to make Texans safer in similar situations, “the scale of this tragedy necessitates a thorough and comprehensive examination.” There are senators and representatives from both parties on the committee. However, there is no set date for the investigation to start.
