BLACK mobile logo

united states

What early warnings did flood-hit Texas receive?

July 7, 2025

Nearly 80 people, including 28 children, have died following catastrophic flash floods in central Texas, with rescue operations continuing and officials expecting the death toll to rise. The disaster primarily affected Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, catching many by surprise despite earlier flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Questions have emerged about the adequacy of warning systems, with county officials citing prohibitive costs for not implementing a dedicated flood alert system and some pointing to recent budget cuts at weather agencies.

Who is affected

  • Nearly 80 people killed, including 28 children
  • Residents of Kerr County and central Texas
  • Girls at a camp in Kerr County that was inundated
  • Local officials responsible for emergency response
  • National Weather Service employees
  • Communities along the Guadalupe River

What action is being taken

  • Rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected areas
  • The National Weather Service is defending its forecasting and warning procedures
  • Governor Greg Abbott and other officials are holding news conferences about the disaster
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is conveying concerns to the federal government
  • The Trump administration is reportedly working to upgrade warning technologies

Why it matters

  • The high death toll represents a significant loss of life, with more casualties expected
  • The disaster highlights potential gaps in emergency warning systems and coordination
  • Questions about whether budget cuts to weather agencies impacted forecasting capabilities may influence future funding decisions
  • The adequacy of public warning systems in rural areas with limited cell coverage has been exposed as a critical vulnerability
  • The incident reveals ongoing tensions between local, state and federal emergency management responsibilities

What's next

  • President Trump is planning a possible visit to the area on Friday
  • The Trump administration pledges to prioritize upgrading technology used to deliver warnings
  • Ongoing reforms to weather technology systems are mentioned

Read full article from source: BBC