The Texas summer camp near the Guadalupe River, known as Mo-Ranch Assembly, successfully evacuated approximately 70 children and adults ahead of a severe flood. Camp officials, including communications director Lisa Winters, credited their quick action and vigilance for preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome. The camp, which serves as a recreation destination and hosts youth conferences, had been monitoring weather conditions for about 24 hours. A facilities manager, Aroldo Barrera, notified his supervisor around 1 a.m. on Friday about the approaching storm, leading to an immediate evacuation of those staying overnight near the river.
Despite the absence of direct warnings from local authorities, Mo-Ranch officials made the critical decision to move people to higher ground. This proactive response helped avoid the devastation that struck nearby Camp Mystic, where flash floods claimed over 80 lives and left dozens missing. Winters emphasized that the camp’s elevated location and preparedness were key factors in ensuring the safety of all guests. She noted that while the camp suffered some damage, the lack of casualties was a significant relief.
The flood, characterized by an intense downpour equivalent to months’ worth of rain, overwhelmed the area. Local authorities faced scrutiny for their delayed response, as they admitted they did not anticipate the severity of the storm. Winters highlighted that Mo-Ranch received no direct warnings from county officials but managed to act based on their own monitoring of weather reports and river levels. She expressed gratitude for the campers’ resilience and emphasized the importance of preparedness in such situations.
As of Sunday, rescue and recovery efforts continued, with teams searching for missing individuals. The camp, which had been hosting several hundred campers and attendees from a national youth conference, reported that all guests were safely accounted for. Winters described the experience as both a blessing and a reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events. The camp remained closed for the time being, with efforts focused on supporting other affected camps in the region.