Flash floods surged through in the middle of the night, but many local officials appeared unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, initially leaving people near the river on their own.

Generations of the same family have operated the summer camp since 1939. It counts family members of former president and governors as alumnae.

As hope for finding survivors dims, questions swirl around whether Camp Mystic's emergency plan was adequate. Texas doesn't approve or keep copies of such plans; camps are required to show only that they have plans in place.