FEMA Removed 30 Camp Mystic Buildings From Its Flood Plain Map [View all]

I wrote a flood plain ordinance for our borough, wrote the regulations and guidelines.

I do not understand how 30 structures can be removed from a flood plain? The 100 year flood plain map is drawn out, marked. If you have buildings located in that flood plain how the hell can those buildings be deemed to not be in the flood plain?

30 structures were removed from the FEMA 100 year flood plain map in 2013, 2019, and 2020 at the request of Camp Mystic's owners.

At least 28 people from the Camp died. Would it have made a difference? I don't think so, but it depends how the local flood plain ordinance was drawn up. Ordinances may allow buildings in a flood plain but no basements for example. I'm guessing it may have to do with insurance. Insuring buildings located in a flood plain would be very costly. I am also guessing that maybe having those camps in the flood plain violated the ordinance seeing as this flood plain was dangerous. Maybe it didn't even have an ordinance?



Camp Mystic removed from flood plain
Camp Mystic's buildings were removed from FEMA's 100-year flood map due to repeated appeals by the camp, which had been operating in a dangerous flood plain. The camp's buildings were removed from the flood map in 2013, 2019, and 2020, with a total of 30 structures being removed. The camp's owner, Dick Eastland, and at least 27 campers and counselors were killed in the flooding that occurred on July 4, 2025. The camp has called the flood an "unimaginable tragedy" and has restored power for communication with its supporters.
The Texas Tribune