Summary
During severe flooding in Texas over the 4th of July weekend, three key county officials were not available to respond immediately. The floods resulted in at least 135 deaths, with Kerr County being severely impacted. Officials faced scrutiny over the lack of early flood warnings and preparation.
Key Facts
- Three top officials in Kerr County were unavailable during the flood: two were asleep, and one was out of town.
- The flash floods in Texas killed at least 135 people.
- Kerr County was the hardest hit, with at least 95 deaths, including at Camp Mystic.
- Emergency management coordinator William B Thomas felt ill and remained off-duty on the day before the flood.
- Sheriff Larry Leitha said he was not aware of any impending disaster and saw a weather report indicating only rain.
- Judge Rob Kelly was away at a lake house and noted no flood alerts were issued prior.
- Governor Greg Abbott stated a storm warning was issued but the full extent of the storm was not known.
- Authorities faced criticism for possibly inadequate flood warnings and lack of early evacuation.
