Kerr County Dodges Tough Questions As Texas Floods Kill 108/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. mansour/ Morning Edition/ The death toll from devastating Texas floods has surged past 100, as rescue crews enter a fifth day of searching. Kerr County officials face scrutiny over delayed flood warnings and communication gaps. Emotional rescues continue amid one of the state’s worst flood disasters.
Texas Flood Disaster Quick Looks
- Death toll rises to 108 in Texas floods
- 87 fatalities confirmed in Kerr County alone
- Officials dodge questions about emergency response timeline
- Sheriff learned of floods hours after initial alerts
- Search teams working through debris along Guadalupe River
- Emotional rescues include Coast Guard saving 165 children
- United Cajun Navy calls damage “one of the worst” seen
- Mexican rescue teams join Texas flood recovery efforts
- Vacant NOAA role may have hindered communication
- Congressman mourns family loss amid gratitude for rescues
Deep Look
Texas Flood Death Toll Tops 100 As Search Efforts Continue, Officials Face Scrutiny Over Response Delays
KERR COUNTY, Texas — The catastrophic flooding in central Texas has claimed at least 108 lives as search-and-rescue efforts enter their fifth day, with recovery crews battling treacherous debris along the Guadalupe River and beyond.
Despite the unfolding humanitarian crisis, Kerr County officials repeatedly deflected questions on Tuesday about when they first realized the floods would pose a deadly threat, and refused to provide a timeline for their emergency response.
Sheriff Larry Leitha revealed he wasn’t notified of the deadly flash floods until between 4 and 5 a.m. on July 4, despite the National Weather Service issuing its first public warning at 1:14 a.m.
“We understand you have many questions. We understand that. But right now, this team up here is focused on bringing people home,” said Lt. Colonel Ben Baker of the Texas Game Wardens during a press briefing.
Grim Toll And Emotional Strain
The confirmed death toll rose Tuesday after Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reported recovering 87 bodies, including 30 children. At least six individuals—five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic—remain unaccounted for.
“It’s hard to know that number. I know the numbers that we have found, and that’s all I know,” Sheriff Leitha said regarding how many people may still be missing.
Search teams, including Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel, continue combing through debris. Baker described the task as “extremely treacherous, time-consuming, and dirty work,” while wellness professionals support responders coping with the trauma of recovering victims.
“It’s very tragic whenever you see human life, but to see a child and that loss of life is extremely tragic,” Baker said.
Heroes And Heartbreak
Among the harrowing rescues was Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan, credited with saving 165 children from Camp Mystic, including the granddaughters of Congressman Buddy Carter. Carter shared his heartbreak over the loss of his granddaughters’ cousin, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, who did not survive.
“Obviously, this is a very haunting experience, a very harrowing experience for our granddaughters, and our hearts are broken by Janie’s death,” said Carter, who praised Ruskan for his heroic efforts.
Carter also revealed he asked President Donald Trump to reach out to Janie’s father, noting the president offered words of comfort while cautioning against politicizing the tragedy.
“There’ll be lessons to be learned, but at the same time, we have to compliment those who have done such an outstanding job,” Carter added.
Rescue Efforts Expand
The United Cajun Navy, assisting in the recovery, described the devastation as “one of the worst” they’ve ever witnessed. Incident coordinator Josh Gill said crews are painstakingly searching treetops and tangled debris piles, hoping each day to find survivors.
“The hardest part is working through the emotions. We know that there’s children missing and there’s families missing,” Gill said. “We still hope, every morning, and we pray that we’re going to find survivors.”
A Mexican rescue team has also joined efforts in central Texas, bringing trained canine units and rescue specialists from Coahuila state to assist in finding missing people.
“The United States and Mexico are united, not only as neighbors but as family, especially in times of need,” said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson.
Gaps In Emergency Communication
Questions remain about potential gaps in communication between federal agencies and local officials. Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad told CNN that a critical warning coordination meteorologist position was vacant at the Austin-San Antonio weather office during the flooding. The role, a key link between meteorologists and local emergency managers, had been left unfilled due to staff cuts under the Trump administration.
“The staffing was just fine — and the White House has concurred with this — to get the forecast out, to get the watches and warnings issued,” Spinrad explained. “But when you send a message, there’s no guarantee it’s being received.”
While the National Weather Service maintains it issued timely alerts and provided support to local partners, the absence of dedicated follow-up may have contributed to delays in local response.
As search teams continue their relentless work amid piles of shattered trees, twisted metal, and debris along the Guadalupe River, Texas remains gripped by one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.
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