FEMA's Controversial Flood Map Changes Impact Camp Mystic
Camp Mystic's buildings were removed from FEMA's flood map, raising concerns about flood risk underestimation and the tragic loss of lives in a prior flood.
Overview
- Camp Mystic sought amendments to FEMA's flood map to potentially avoid flood insurance requirements, according to various reports.
- Despite 12 structures being within the flood plain, FEMA removed multiple Camp Mystic buildings from the 100-year flood map.
- The flood at Camp Mystic resulted in the loss of 27 individuals, including campers and owner Dick Eastland, before FEMA's map changes.
- FEMA's flood insurance map has been criticized for underestimating flood risks, highlighted by the removal of buildings from the flood map prior to expansion.
- Initially designated as a 'Special Flood Hazard Area' in 2011, Camp Mystic saw numerous buildings exempted from flood hazard designation by FEMA before expansion.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the narrative around FEMA's flood mapping decisions, highlighting potential negligence and the tragic consequences for Camp Mystic. They express skepticism about FEMA's risk assessments and suggest possible motives behind the camp's requests to amend flood designations, indicating a critical stance towards regulatory practices and accountability.
"Federal regulators repeatedly granted appeals to remove Camp Mystic's buildings from their 100-year flood map, loosening oversight as the camp operated and expanded in a dangerous flood plain in the years before rushing waters swept away children and counselors."
CBS News"Federal regulators repeatedly granted appeals to remove Camp Mystic’s buildings from their 100-year flood map, loosening oversight as the camp operated and expanded in a dangerous flood plain in the years before rushing waters swept away children and counselors."
FortuneArticles (3)
Center (2)
FAQ
FEMA removed multiple Camp Mystic buildings from the 100-year flood map following appeals from the camp, possibly to help the camp avoid flood insurance requirements, reduce insurance premiums, or facilitate renovations under less costly regulations.
The flood at Camp Mystic resulted in the tragic loss of 27 people, including campers and the camp owner Dick Eastland, before FEMA amended the flood maps.
No, while FEMA removed dozens of buildings from the flood hazard designation, 12 structures remained within the floodplain, and some cabins at the Cypress Lake camp suffered significant flood damage.
Experts and observers criticized FEMA for underestimating flood risks by removing buildings from the flood map, and questioned why more proactive steps to mitigate flood risk were not taken given the known hazard zone.
Camp Mystic was originally designated as a 'Special Flood Hazard Area' in 2011, but subsequent FEMA amendments removed many of its buildings from this designation before the camp's expansion.
History
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