Kerr County Emergency Manager Sick, Asleep During Deadly Texas Floods

The emergency management coordinator of Kerr County, Texas, William B. Thomas IV, testified that he was sick and asleep on July 3 and into the early hours of July 4, when devastating flash floods struck the area, killing at least 135 people. Thomas missed critical emergency briefings and was off duty with his supervisors aware of his illness-related absence during the period the Guadalupe River surged to record levels. The floods, one of Texas's worst natural disasters, particularly impacted low-lying communities and Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and staff died. State lawmakers held hearings where residents recounted the rapid onset of flooding and the challenges in receiving timely warnings and evacuating, with some survivors describing harrowing escapes and hours spent uncertain of their safety. Officials, including the county sheriff and top executive, were also criticized for being absent or asleep during the critical early moments of the disaster, raising concerns about the preparedness and leadership during the crisis. Mental health counselors and advocates highlighted ongoing challenges faced by residents and emphasized the need for improved disaster preparedness and resources in the region.