The director of a Christian summer camp has testified that he did not see official weather warnings issued a day before deadly flooding that killed 25 campers and two counsellors. 

Camp Mystic, in Texas, was hit by the extreme weather in July last year, but Edward Eastland told a court the decision to evacuate was made too late and there was no plan in place. 

He said that lives could have been saved if the call to leave was made sooner, but maintained staff could not have anticipated the severity of the storm.

On Monday, the court was full of the families of the campers who died, hearing several hours of emotional testimony after filing lawsuits against the camp.

“I wish we never had camp that summer,” Eastland said towards the end of his comments, according to CNN.

According to ABC affiliate station KLTV, Camp Mystic has applied to reopen in two months time,using areas that were not damaged. Camp organisers previously shared they have “prayed daily” about its future, with 900 girls having registered to attend this year. 

Cile Steward, who was aged eight, has not been found after being swept away when the Guadalupe River burst its banks. Following the testimony, her mother Cici said the camp’s license should be denied. 

The hearing continues.