As catastrophic floods swept through Texas over the July 4th weekend, claiming at least 135 lives, key local leaders were either asleep or away from the disaster zone, raising questions about emergency preparedness and response.
Kerr County, the hardest-hit area, saw at least 95 fatalities, including campers at the all-girls Camp Mystic. During a recent hearing, officials admitted they were unaware of the impending crisis. Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas stated he had been ill and in bed, while Sheriff Larry Leitha said he went to sleep with “zero worries,” unaware of the looming danger. County Judge Rob Kelly, the region’s top executive, was out of town at the time.
Critics have questioned whether adequate warnings were issued before the floods. Officials claimed no alerts had been raised, and the National Weather Service had not predicted the severity of the rainfall. Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged that while storm warnings were in place, the scale of the disaster was unforeseen.
The tragedy has sparked scrutiny over emergency protocols, evacuation delays, and the role of local leadership during crises. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue as residents assess the damage and mourn the lives lost.
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