Texas Floods Kill 70, Trump Declares State Emergency

Severe flash floods in Kerr County, Texas, caused by an unprecedented deluge on July 4 have resulted in at least 70 deaths, including 21 children, with many others still missing, among them 11 girls and a counselor from the Mystic summer camp. President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in the area and deployed FEMA and Coast Guard resources, which have rescued over 850 people amid ongoing search efforts involving more than 1,300 personnel. The Guadalupe River rose nearly nine meters within 45 minutes, overwhelming residential areas and campgrounds, while questions have arisen about the delayed and inadequate emergency alert system, which may have contributed to the tragedy. Officials continue to identify victims, with many bodies still unidentified, and the National Weather Service has extended flood watches due to additional expected rainfall. Local authorities and the Trump administration are coordinating response and recovery efforts, though frustration remains over the timing and communication of evacuation warnings. The disaster has prompted scrutiny of preparedness and the need for better alert infrastructure in vulnerable communities.