KERRVILLE, Texas, July 9 – In the wake of catastrophic flash floods that claimed at least 119 lives in central Texas on July 4, questions continue to mount about whether more could have been done to prevent such an immense loss of life. Despite growing criticism, local and state officials have remained largely defensive about their emergency response, vowing that a full review will come but offering few immediate answers.
At a press briefing on Wednesday morning in Kerr County, where the majority of fatalities occurred, Sheriff Larry Leitha pushed back against accusations of mismanagement. He emphasized that the current priority remains finding the missing and supporting families, not assigning blame.
“I understand the frustration and anger, but right now, my focus is on the people still unaccounted for,” Leitha said. “There will be a time for reviewing what happened. That time is coming, and we’re not going to run from it.”
According to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, over 170 individuals were still unaccounted for as of Tuesday evening, suggesting that the already grim death toll could increase. Not a single survivor has been located since the morning of the disaster, which struck with almost no warning.
The flash floods were triggered by an intense downpour that dumped over a foot of rain within an hour, swelling the Guadalupe River to nearly 30 feet. Kerrville, the county’s administrative center, was hit hardest by the disaster, as floodwaters engulfed homes, summer camps, and roadways throughout the area.
Heavy Toll and Emotional Aftermath
Sheriff Leitha confirmed that 95 of the 119 confirmed fatalities were from Kerr County, including approximately three dozen children. A particularly tragic loss occurred at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp located on the riverbank. At least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives when the river burst its banks and swept through the grounds in the early morning darkness.
In Hunt, a small community west of Kerrville, the family of Jose Olvera gathered near the remains of their property to mourn. Jose’s body was found by a stream, partially covered by tree branches. His wife remains missing.
“This could have been avoided,” said their son, Macedonio Olvera, seated amid the wreckage. “There are tools out there that can alert communities before disaster strikes. We should have had more warning.”
Despite forecasts warning of possible flash flooding, the scale and speed of the storm caught many off guard. City Manager Dalton Rice explained that the actual rainfall doubled earlier predictions, particularly over two branches of the Guadalupe upstream from where they meet in Kerrville.
Rice also emphasized that the region’s rugged terrain, combined with inconsistent cell service, severely hampered real-time communication. “Even if we had attempted widespread evacuations,” he said, “we would have risked putting more people in danger. There simply wasn’t time.”
It has since emerged that Kerr County considered installing an advanced flood alert system nearly a decade ago. However, that effort was dropped after state funding fell through. The region, known for its scenic hill country, is also notoriously vulnerable to flash flooding due to its topography.
Calls for Accountability and Legislative Action
As criticism continues, Governor Abbott sidestepped discussions of responsibility during his own public appearance. When asked if any agencies or officials should be held accountable, he likened the discussion to a losing mentality in football.
“In sports, it’s usually the losing side that focuses on pointing fingers,” he said. “Winning teams focus on solutions. That’s what we’re going to do here. We’ll rebuild stronger and make sure we’re better prepared next time.”
Still, Abbott acknowledged the need for action. He announced that the state legislature would hold a special session later this month to examine the state’s disaster response and consider new funding for flood mitigation and emergency infrastructure.
The broader impact of severe weather was felt beyond Texas. In New Mexico, three people, including two children, were killed when flash floods surged through the mountain village of Ruidoso. Torrential rain on wildfire burn scars caused the Rio Ruidoso River to rise to a record 20 feet, surpassing its previous high by five feet.
Experts warn that these types of disasters are likely to become more common. With shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures, flash floods are hitting communities with increasing frequency and intensity.
For residents in Kerr County and across central Texas, the grief is still raw. Memorials have sprung up across neighborhoods, especially near riverbanks and campsites. Families mourn loved ones lost in the chaos, many still waiting for answers that may take weeks or months to come.