Texas Floods Cause 78 Deaths, $14-18B Losses Reshape Climate Risk

The devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas on July 4, 2025, resulted in at least 78 deaths and economic damages estimated between $14-18 billion, marking the costliest inland flood in U.S. history. President Donald Trump declared a major disaster, activating federal aid, while Governor Greg Abbott called for a state day of prayer amid ongoing rescue efforts and uncertainty about missing individuals, including over 20 girls from Camp Mystic. The disaster has also triggered significant impacts on global financial markets, particularly in insurance and reinsurance sectors, reflecting growing climate risk. Debate surrounds the role of climate change and government preparedness, with climate scientists affirming that human-induced global warming increases the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events, while some local officials and media figures criticized staffing cuts at the National Weather Service under the Trump administration for potentially affecting flood warnings and readiness. The White House has rejected these criticisms as "shameful and disgusting," emphasizing ongoing efforts to upgrade flood notification technology. Overall, the tragedy highlights urgent calls for better climate resilience and infrastructure investment to mitigate future disasters.