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Texas county’s emergency management coordinator was likely asleep in critical morning hours of deadly floods, sheriff says
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS, JUL 24 – Legislators criticize lack of qualification standards and communication failures in emergency management after flash floods killed over 130 in Kerr County, Texas, officials said.
- Early on July 4, flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, killing at least 107 people in the early morning hours, sheriff says.
- Under current law, county judges and mayors can appoint anyone as emergency management coordinators, while officials cited communication failures and missing qualification standards, and Nim Kidd said there is no system to ensure they receive weather warnings.
- Forecasters predicted flooding over 44 counties and 35,000 square miles, Nim Kidd said, and Carl Johnson estimated equipping 340 rural low water crossings would cost $10-12 million.
- Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leithe assured attendees of an `after-action` review, while William `Dub` Thomas canceled his scheduled appearance.
- Legislators discussed disaster response at the Capitol, while Sen. Charles Schwertner likened weather warnings to waking a president during an attack.
11 Articles
11 Articles
'Gross negligence': Official in charge of coordinating TX flood response was 'likely asleep'
On Wednesday, July 23, ABC News reported that the death toll from the flooding that ravaged areas of Central Texas during the 4th of July Weekend had climbed to 136 people. The tragedy continues to generate heated discussions on the response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has experienced major cutbacks during Donald Trump's presidency.Many Democrats are arguing that in light of climate change and the severe weather even…
The Dallas Morning News: Why did a drone interfere with rescue efforts after Texas flood?
In the aftermath of the devastating floods that hit Kerr County over the Fourth of July weekend, a helicopter involved in search-and-rescue efforts was forced to make an emergency landing after colliding with a private drone.
Long-standing problems led up to deadly Hill Country floods, witnesses tell legislative flood committee
Communication problems, a lack of qualification standards for emergency management coordinators and other issues have plagued the state long before the July 4 floods, officials told two special committees Wednesday. By Emily Foxhall, Hayden Betts and Paul Cobler July 23, 2025 No minimum qualifications for local emergency management coordinators. No easy way to know if local officials are getting weather warnings. Difficulty getting all first res…
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