Lawmakers Probe Deadly Hill Country Flood Failures

The July 4 floods in Texas Hill Country resulted in over 130 deaths, including many children and summer campers, prompting hundreds of survivors and officials to testify before state lawmakers about disaster response failures. Testimonies revealed that key Kerr County emergency officials were unavailable as the floods hit, causing delayed warnings and rescue efforts, notably a Code Red alert sent to Hunt residents 40 minutes late. Lawmakers and victims criticized the lack of organization and timely action, while officials cited inadequate communication infrastructure and unpredictable weather conditions. Emotional accounts from survivors and bereaved families highlighted the tragedy’s impact and called for urgent improvements in forecasting, data collection, and alert systems. Texas legislative committees are investigating the disaster and considering proposals to bolster flood preparedness and response but cannot enact new laws directly. The hearings exposed deep grief, anger, and a strong demand for accountability as affected communities start to recover.