Tragic Floods Recall 1987 Disaster in Texas

A former youth camp counselor who experienced the catastrophic 1987 Texas floods described the recent flooding at Camp Mystic as eerily similar to that event. In 1987, a sudden rainstorm dumped 12 inches of rain in just 45 minutes on a camp located along the Guadalupe River, causing waters to rise rapidly and flood the area with up to 25 feet of water.

During that flood, a bus attempting to evacuate was overwhelmed by the swift-moving water, which was traveling at speeds of 70 miles per hour. Campers and staff climbed onto bus roofs and even used torn clothing tied into ropes to rescue each other amid the chaos. One camper’s wife was swept downstream but survived after rescue by boat, describing a dark, frantic ordeal as she was pushed against debris in the rushing water.

Floodwaters reaching peak levels during the 1987 flood — The flood levels in 1987 were strikingly similar to those during the recent tragedy at Camp Mystic, where the Guadalupe River surged past 26 feet.

In 1987, the flood cut off a bus carrying evacuating campers, resulting in 10 deaths. The current floods at Camp Mystic, near where Koons’ old camp was situated, saw the river rising dramatically overnight. Despite evacuations, over two dozen individuals, including staff, were caught and swept away as floodwaters overtook the site.

By the time search and rescue crews arrived after nearly two hours, only some survivors had been rescued by helicopter. In total, at least 27 people, mostly campers and staff, were confirmed dead, with several others still missing. This flooding surpassed the 1987 event, with the Guadalupe River reaching over 26 feet.

Search efforts continue as authorities report that over 100 lives have been lost across Texas due to the floods, which are expected to claim more victims as rescuers scour the devastated regions.