Vue lecture

As Texas Flood Raged, Camp Mystic Was Left to Fend for Itself

Flash floods surged through in the middle of the night, but many local officials appeared unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, initially leaving people near the river on their own.

© Callaghan O'Hare for The New York Times

The belongings of campers were piled outside a pair of cabins at Camp Mystic.

Officials Feared Flood Risk to Youth Camps but Rejected Warning System

Kerr County had discussed buying such things as water gauges and sirens after previous flood disasters. But as with many rural Texas counties, cost was an issue.

© Jordan Vonderhaar for The New York Times

Search-and-rescue efforts after catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas.
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