Saturday marked the one year anniversary of the deaths of 20 people at the Albert Pike Campground in southwest Arkansas. They were killed when a flash flood crashed through the campground in the middle of the night.
In my last editorial I referred to the tragedy and stressed the importance of being aware of flash flood watches and warnings. I heard from family members of those who died that night.
Ashley writes: "What you don't seem to understand is that people such as my loved ones that are from here didn't arrive (at the park) until that day and were not told about such conditions. Albert Pike had nothing in place to warn anyone or to let anyone know what was happening."
Sandra writes: "I read your editorial and I hope that the final comment you made about flash floods can be avoided and there are usually plenty of warnings just use common sense isn't referring to this horrible tragedy. This happened at 2:00AM when everyone was sleeping, the weather service did know there was a flash flood warning around 9:00PM that night but none of the campers were notified, and since the weather tower had been down for over a year and there is no cell phone service there these people had no way of knowing."
Ashley and Sandra are right. An investigation into the tragedy found no flood hazard warning signs were posted at the campground, even though that area is prone to flooding. Park officials didn't move people out of the danger area. Those 20 people who lost their lives did not have adequate warning.
Since this tragic event, federal and state officials have taken steps to address the issues that led to these lives being lost.
My intent has never been to diminish the nature of this tragedy and never to lay blame on those who are victims. Not enough was done to protect these families before the flood. Let's make sure those responsible for camper safety take the appropriate steps to keep this from ever happening again. I'm James Smith.
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