FEMA Missed Major Flood Risks at Camp Mystic in Texas, New Analysis Reveals
Ask students: Who failed to report that the camp area was at a higher risk of flooding? What were the findings?
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this "See, Think, Wonder" activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
The search for more than 100 people still missing from the catastrophic July 4 flash floods in Texas began its second week Saturday. Officials have rejected suggestions that the calamity could have been anticipated, but an analysis by NPR and PBS Frontline suggests otherwise. John Yang speaks with Laura Sullivan, an NPR investigative correspondent, to learn more.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- Who failed to report that the camp area was at a higher risk of flooding?
- What were the findings of private companies vs FEMA?
- Where in FEMA's program does it need funding from Congress to perform at the level of private companies?
- When did FEMA grant the request for multiple buildings to be pulled out of the floodplain?
- Why is the there pushback for FEMA to receive funding to do mapping of the floodplains?
Focus Questions
How can experts use this tragedy as an opportunity to encourage more dialogue where politicians listen to experts and communities alike?
Media literacy: What perspectives are missing in this segment?
Extension Activity
- Research your neighborhood's flood risk — what measures are in place to prevent danger?
- Research institutions and organizations in your area that exist to help people in emergencies. What might they need to be more effective?
Disaster Recovery and Preparedness: Lesson Plans and Resources
Devastation, loss of life, and trauma following a natural disaster like hurricanes, earthquakes or wildfires can be emotionally damaging to our children. Share My Lesson’s curated collection of free resources will help not only you and your students, but your school and community understand and cope with natural disasters and their aftermath.
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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