Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha announced Monday that 75 bodies have been recovered following devastating flash floods that struck the area on the Fourth of July.
The victims include 48 adults and 27 children, with 15 adults and nine children still awaiting identification. The disaster unfolded early Friday as the Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour, causing catastrophic damage. Among the missing are 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in the region. The statewide death toll now stands at 89, making it one of the deadliest flood events in recent Texas history.
Questions Raised Over Emergency Preparedness : As search efforts enter a fourth day, retired Lt. Gen. Russel HonorĂ©, who led the military response to Hurricane Katrina, has called for an investigation into Texas’ emergency alert systems and evacuation plans. He criticized officials for not implementing adequate warnings ahead of the flooding, which he argues could have mitigated the loss of life. Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz dismissed claims that budget cuts to the National Weather Service—part of broader government efficiency measures—contributed to the disaster, calling such accusations “partisan finger-pointing.” President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday, but concerns persist over whether enough was done to warn residents.
Honoré Blames Leadership Failures, Calls for Infrastructure Upgrades : Honoré rejected the notion that the flooding was purely an “act of God,” stating that better planning and technology could have prevented many deaths. He urged officials to invest in river gauges, warning sirens, and improved cell coverage to enhance emergency communication in flood-prone areas. Additionally, he condemned the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), arguing that weakening disaster response agencies would only exacerbate future crises. “We need to improve FEMA, not destroy it,” Honoré emphasized, warning that without action, similar tragedies could recur.
More Storms Expected Amid Ongoing Recovery : With additional storms forecast over the next 48 hours, flood alerts remain in effect for central Texas, complicating recovery efforts. As officials continue to search for missing individuals, the focus has shifted to accountability and long-term solutions. Honoré’s remarks underscore the need for systemic improvements in disaster preparedness, while political leaders remain divided over responsibility. For now, grieving families and rescue teams brace for more challenges as the region works to recover from one of its worst natural disasters in decades.
