Historic Flooding Kills 100+ Across Central Texas

Central Texas experienced devastating flash floods over the weekend, leading to historic flooding, road closures, and more than 100 deaths, including children at a summer camp located in a federally designated floodway. Hamilton County officials reported significant rainfall and monitored critical waterways, warning of a domino effect from upstream rains that could continue to impact downstream communities. President Donald Trump faced criticism for federal government cuts to disaster response agencies, with questions arising about the administration's preparedness and reaction to the flood crisis. Experts warn that similar flash flood risks exist in other states like California and Colorado, where geographic and climatic conditions, combined with increased outdoor activity during summer, heighten vulnerabilities. California's history of deadly floods and Colorado's past flash flood disasters underscore the ongoing challenges in forecasting, risk communication, and public awareness needed to mitigate such tragedies. The Texas floods highlight the urgent need for improved hazard understanding and emergency response strategies amid increasing extreme weather events linked to climate change.