Summary
In Kerr County, Texas, key leaders were not on duty during the early hours of a severe flood that killed more than 130 people. The sheriff and emergency management director were asleep, while the county's chief executive officer was out of town. Officials testified about their absence and emphasized the need for better flood warning systems.
Key Facts
- The flood in Kerr County, Texas, killed over 130 people, including 27 people at an all-girls camp.
- County leaders, including the sheriff and emergency coordinator, were not immediately available as the crisis began.
- Judge Rob Kelly, the county's top executive, was out of town on the morning of the flood.
- Requests for public records related to the leaders' actions during the flood have been denied or are pending.
- Local officials testified about the need for better communication and warning systems for future emergencies.
- The sheriff shared a timeline showing emergency responders recognized the crisis early, but leadership wasn't alerted until later.
- Improvements in flood warning and mitigation systems were identified as necessary by several officials.
