As the Guadalupe River rapidly swelled after a staggering 100 billion gallons of rain fell over the area, over 160 individuals remain unaccounted for. Questions intensified after it was revealed that a firefighter had requested a warning to be sent just before 4:30 AM on July 4, but residents were not alerted until nearly six hours later.
During a press conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha acknowledged the communication failures without providing detailed timelines. He stated that his immediate focus was on victim recovery rather than dissecting the alert system's timeline.
The National Weather Service had issued multiple warnings preceding the floods, while some officials attributed the lack of effective evacuations to poor cell service and residents being desensitized to such alerts in a historically flood-prone region. President Trump’s federal disaster declaration has enabled FEMA's response efforts.
Rescue operations led by over 2,100 responders, assisted by helicopters and drones, are ongoing as crews navigate through dangerous debris looking for survivors. Despite the treacherous conditions, officials emphasize the need for a thorough search for those still missing.
With ongoing investigations, the tragic floods have not only affected the local community but generated a national conversation about emergency preparedness and communication effectiveness in crisis situations.
During a press conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha acknowledged the communication failures without providing detailed timelines. He stated that his immediate focus was on victim recovery rather than dissecting the alert system's timeline.
The National Weather Service had issued multiple warnings preceding the floods, while some officials attributed the lack of effective evacuations to poor cell service and residents being desensitized to such alerts in a historically flood-prone region. President Trump’s federal disaster declaration has enabled FEMA's response efforts.
Rescue operations led by over 2,100 responders, assisted by helicopters and drones, are ongoing as crews navigate through dangerous debris looking for survivors. Despite the treacherous conditions, officials emphasize the need for a thorough search for those still missing.
With ongoing investigations, the tragic floods have not only affected the local community but generated a national conversation about emergency preparedness and communication effectiveness in crisis situations.
