Overview

• A detailed AP review shows FEMA amended Kerr County flood maps in 2013, 2019 and 2020 to remove 30 Camp Mystic buildings from the 100-year floodplain
• The July 4 flash flood along the Guadalupe River has killed at least 129 people and left about 160 missing
• Climate experts say FEMA’s standard flood maps fail to account for smaller waterways, underestimating risks from heavy rainfall on creeks and streams
• State and federal authorities are examining FEMA’s appeals procedures and drafting long-term improvements to flood warning systems in Kerr County
• Research by Syracuse University finds FEMA approves about 90% of map amendment requests, a process critics argue favors well-resourced applicants