Texas Floods: A Tragic Summer Camp Disaster

In central Texas, a sudden and severe flash flood has left at least 70 people dead, including 21 children. The disaster has raised serious questions about preparedness and early warnings. Rescue teams are still searching for 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. The floodwaters have been devastating, with over 850 people rescued across Kerr County, which experienced some of the worst flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings about the impending weather system, but critics argue that the alerts were not enough. W. Nim Kidd, director of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, blamed the NWS for not predicting the extent of the rain. However, the NWS had issued a flash flood watch and emergency alerts as the situation unfolded. The Trump administration has faced scrutiny for recent cuts to the NWS, including layoffs of nearly 600 employees. These cuts have raised concerns about the agency's ability to provide timely and accurate warnings. The floodwaters have claimed lives in multiple counties. In Kerr County, at least 59 people, including 21 children, were killed. Additional deaths were reported in Tom Green, Williamson, Burnet, Travis, and Kendall Counties. The search for survivors continues as the region braces for more rain. The NWS has issued another flood watch for north-central Texas, warning of potential flash flooding. The tragedy has sparked questions about why summer camps in the area were not evacuated sooner. Kerrville City Manager Rice Dalton acknowledged the concern but did not provide an answer, focusing instead on the ongoing search for the missing children. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly admitted he did not know why the camps were not evacuated, stating that there was no indication of the severity of the flood. The Trump administration has pledged support, with President Donald Trump signing a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. However, the administration's stance on disaster response has been controversial. Trump has insisted that states should take a larger role in handling weather disasters, a position that has been criticized by some as shifting responsibility away from federal agencies. The Guadalupe River has a history of floods, with a notable incident in 1987 that resulted in the deaths of 10 teenagers. As Texas approaches the peak of the 2025 hurricane season, the risk of more severe weather remains high. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, with a range of 13 to 19 named storms.