How a Texas Summer Camp’s Swift Response Saved Lives During a Major Flood Crisis

At 1 a.m. on July 4th, a central Texas summer camp manager, Aroldo Barrera, noticed the Guadalupe River rising due to heavy rain. He alerted his boss, who had been tracking the storm. Just hours earlier, an intercultural youth conference had ended abruptly at the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly.

Without official warnings, the camp officials acted fast. They moved about 70 campers and staff from a low-lying building to higher ground. Tim Huchton, the camp’s President and CEO, praised their quick thinking, which helped avoid a tragedy like the one at another nearby camp that suffered devastating losses.

“Camp staff helped everyone pack and get out safely,” said Lisa Winters, the communications director for Mo-Ranch. “They moved folks to higher ground before the floods hit.”

Other areas were not as fortunate. Flash floods hit Texas Hill Country, leading to at least 79 deaths and many people still unaccounted for, including 10 girls from Camp Mystic. As rescue teams conducted searches, the camp’s swift actions shined in the face of rising waters.

Local authorities are under scrutiny for their lack of communication about the impending disaster. They have said they did not anticipate the rains, which delivered months’ worth of water in just hours.

Winters emphasized the lack of official information, stating, “We had no warning this was coming.” The camp had been monitoring weather conditions and was able to act before it was too late. “We saw it coming well in advance and did something about it,” she added.

By 7 a.m. Friday, the camp staff started reaching out to parents to assure them their children were safe. “We wanted to make sure every single guest was accounted for,” Winters said, emphasizing the urgency they felt as media footage of the devastation surfaced.

While Mo-Ranch experienced some damage, it was minor compared to other camps. “The buildings don’t matter,” said Winters. “What counts is that we didn’t lose anyone.” One image stuck with her: an aluminum kayak twisted around a tree, a stark reminder of the water’s power.

The camp remained closed for cleanup efforts, but Mo-Ranch aimed to support other affected camps. “We’re a sisterhood of camps. We take care of each other,” Winters said, her emotion evident. This phrase underscores the community spirit that arises in times of crisis.

In recent studies, natural disasters like floods have increased across the U.S. By 2021, floods were reported in more than 90% of states, affecting both rural and urban areas. These statistics highlight the urgency of effective communication during emergencies.

In conclusion, the response of Mo-Ranch’s staff serves as an example of proactive leadership in crisis situations. Their actions made a crucial difference in saving lives amidst an unforeseen disaster.



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Texas, Floods, General news, Evacuations, Texas Longhorns, TX State Wire, Tim Huchton, Climate and environment, U.S. news, Lisa Winters, Climate