Camp Mystic Director Testifies: No Flood Warnings Issued Before 2025 Disaster

During a court hearing concerning the devastating 2025 flood at Camp Mystic in Texas, the camp director testified that staff were not provided with official flood warnings the day before the storm, and that evacuation decisions were significantly delayed.

Testimony Details: The Night of the Flood

Edward Eastland, the director of the summer camp, provided detailed testimony regarding the events that led to the deaths of at least 27 campers and counselors. The tragedy occurred early on July 4, 2025, when floodwaters along the Guadalupe River rose rapidly, trapping individuals in cabins before the early morning dark.

Eastland acknowledged that staff could have acted sooner to save lives but insisted that the severity of the storm was unpredictable. Key points from his testimony included:

• The camp lacked a detailed, written flood evacuation plan.
• He admitted that more campers would have survived if staff had made quicker decisions to evacuate.
• Staff failed to use simple public warning measures, such as campus loudspeakers, to alert campers to move to higher ground.

Allegations of Missed Warnings and Negligence

Eastland stated that while staff were signed up for emergency phone warning systems and used weather apps, he did not see official flood watch posts from the National Weather Service or the Texas Department of Emergency Management on July 2 or 3. He claimed that the local "CodeRED" mobile alert system and phone apps were sufficient.

However, the record showed:

• A National Weather Service alert on July 3 advised area broadcasters to warn of potential flash flooding in rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas—all features of the camp property.
• Eastland stated that he did not believe camp staff held a meeting to discuss these alerts and warnings on the day they were issued.

During the hearing, Eastland also testified that he slept through a CodeRED alert text warning of a potential flood event. The call to evacuate the cabins was ultimately made by his father, Richard Eastland, around 3 a.m., hours after the initial warning signs of rising water.

Legal Fallout and Investigations

The hearing is part of an ongoing legal battle between the camp owners and the families of the victims, who have filed multiple lawsuits. Families are also demanding that the camp preserve the site as evidence.

Adding to the controversy, Camp Mystic plans to renew its license and reopen in less than two months, stating that nearly 900 girls have already registered to attend.

• Victim Advocacy: Cici Steward, whose daughter remains missing, publicly demanded that the state deny the camp's license, stating that the facility was incapable of keeping children safe.
• Official Investigations: Texas health regulators are investigating hundreds of complaints filed against the camp owners. Additionally, the Texas Rangers are assisting in looking into allegations of neglect.