During a recent storm over the Fourth of July weekend, over 100 children at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, found refuge on the second floor of a building as floodwaters rapidly rose. Texas Representative August Pfluger shared this alarming update on “America’s Newsroom” after reuniting with his daughters who were evacuated from the camp.
Many young campers struggled to sleep that night due to the violent storm. Pfluger described how campers reported intense lightning and thunder, alongside quickly rising water. The evacuation to the ‘Rec Hall’ was urgent, with campers wading through knee-deep water just to get there. Within minutes of reaching safety, the floodwaters surged dangerously close to the second floor of the building, which is over 80 years old and not built for such emergencies.
Pfluger noted that, generally, campers are not allowed in that area, adding to the tension as children watched the water rise. He expressed disbelief at how quickly the situation escalated. Initial warnings about severe flooding spread through a network of concerned parents, but the magnitude of the disaster was unclear until the storm had already caused significant damage.
Power outages hampered communication, with many families left in the dark about the safety of their children. The sheer force of the water was destructive, leaving families across Texas grappling with losses. Pfluger urged the community to pray for those affected, especially for families still searching for their loved ones.
This incident highlights the critical need for storm preparedness and proper infrastructure, especially in areas prone to severe weather. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), flooding related to intense storms has become more common, with a significant increase in the frequency of such events over the past few decades. In fact, NOAA states that flash flooding events can cause more fatalities than any other weather-related hazard in the U.S.
The rising frequency and severity of storms emphasize the importance of preparedness, not only in camp settings but in all communities. Enhanced safety protocols and infrastructure improvements could make a difference in safeguarding lives during such unexpected natural events.
For more information about flood safety and preparedness, you can visit the National Weather Service’s guide on emergency preparedness. The guidance provided may help save lives during future weather crises.
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