Texas flooding: stories of loss, resilience, and urgent need
In the heart of Texas Hill Country, the floods claimed at least 132 lives—many in
Kerr County
, where entire families and groups of campers were swept away in a matter of hours. Boats, trailers, and homes vanished as the waters tore through the Guadalupe River canyon. Authorities are still searching for over a hundred people believed to be missing.
Lives upended
One of the most heartbreaking stories: a young college student who stayed behind to help shelter loved ones, his final call cut short by the raging flood before his home was washed away. His voice now a powerful reminder of bravery in utter chaos.
Camp tragedy
Camp Mystic and a neighboring youth camp were struck at night, with dozens of campers and counselors caught in
flash floods
. A camp leader delayed evacuation—making split-second decisions as waters surged. The loss of children and caregivers has left families and communities shattered.
Flawed warning systems
Investigations reveal that code-based alerts (CodeRED) were used instead of broader systems like IPAWS. Residents didn't receive timely warnings via all channels—some alerts arrived after the worst had already passed, spurring calls for reform.
Live Events
Rescue in the rain
Search and recovery efforts continue—amid rising rivers and renewed storms. Crews are using boats, drones, sonar, and dog teams to bring closure to families. But the danger isn't over: flood watches persist, and another round of heavy rain is on the way.
What this crisis teaches us
Nature's fury vs. human vulnerability
In Flash Flood Alley, rivers can transform from gentle streams into walls of water in under an hour—catching even the prepared unaware.
The value of modern alerts
Had broader public-alert systems been activated sooner, more lives might have been spared. Now, the state is facing pressure to modernize and act faster.
Community matters
From families carrying each other on boats to college towns holding processions for victims, neighborliness is rising in response to tragedy. These moments of unity reflect the very best of the human spirit, even in darkest times.
Legacy of loss
Beyond the statistics—children, campers, parents, counselors, couples with plans and dreams—were lives rich in potential and love. Their absence is not just a number—it's a void felt in homes, campuses, and churches across Texas.
How you can help & respond
Stay weather-wise
: If you're in the Hill Country or other flood-prone regions, sign up for
public alert systems
like IPAWS and CodeRED.
Support recovery
: Many families need help with housing, food, and funeral costs—donations to vetted local groups can make an immediate difference.
Push for change
: Reach out to local representatives to advocate for upgrades to early-warning systems and better
emergency protocols
.
Hold space for grief
: In towns across Texas, vigil events and memorials are planned to honor those lost. Sharing their stories helps ensure they're never forgotten.
Bottom line
What started as a holiday weekend turned into one of the deadliest inland flood events in modern U.S. history. The immediate focus is on rescue and recovery—but the deeper challenge lies in learning, adapting, and preventing future tragedies.
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Economic Times
14-07-2025
- Economic Times
Texas flooding: stories of loss, resilience, and urgent need
Grief in Kerr County Camp tragedy Live Events What this crisis teaches us Nature's fury vs. human vulnerability In Flash Flood Alley, rivers can transform from gentle streams into walls of water in under an hour—catching even the prepared unaware. The value of modern alerts Had broader public-alert systems been activated sooner, more lives might have been spared. Now, the state is facing pressure to modernize and act faster. Community matters From families carrying each other on boats to college towns holding processions for victims, neighborliness is rising in response to tragedy. These moments of unity reflect the very best of the human spirit, even in darkest times. Legacy of loss Beyond the statistics—children, campers, parents, counselors, couples with plans and dreams—were lives rich in potential and love. Their absence is not just a number—it's a void felt in homes, campuses, and churches across Texas. How you can help & respond Stay weather-wise : If you're in the Hill Country or other flood-prone regions, sign up for public alert systems like IPAWS and CodeRED. : If you're in the Hill Country or other flood-prone regions, sign up for public alert systems like IPAWS and CodeRED. Support recovery : Many families need help with housing, food, and funeral costs—donations to vetted local groups can make an immediate difference. : Many families need help with housing, food, and funeral costs—donations to vetted local groups can make an immediate difference. Push for change : Reach out to local representatives to advocate for upgrades to early-warning systems and better emergency protocols. : Reach out to local representatives to advocate for upgrades to early-warning systems and better emergency protocols. Hold space for grief: In towns across Texas, vigil events and memorials are planned to honor those lost. Sharing their stories helps ensure they're never forgotten. (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In the heart of Texas Hill Country, the floods claimed at least 132 lives—many in Kerr County , where entire families and groups of campers were swept away in a matter of hours. Boats, trailers, and homes vanished as the waters tore through the Guadalupe River canyon. Authorities are still searching for over a hundred people believed to be missing. One of the most heartbreaking stories: a young college student who stayed behind to help shelter loved ones, his final call cut short by the raging flood before his home was washed away. His voice now a powerful reminder of bravery in utter Mystic and a neighboring youth camp were struck at night, with dozens of campers and counselors caught in flash floods . A camp leader delayed evacuation—making split-second decisions as waters surged. The loss of children and caregivers has left families and communities shattered. Investigations reveal that code-based alerts (CodeRED) were used instead of broader systems like IPAWS. Residents didn't receive timely warnings via all channels—some alerts arrived after the worst had already passed, spurring calls for and recovery efforts continue—amid rising rivers and renewed storms. Crews are using boats, drones, sonar, and dog teams to bring closure to families. But the danger isn't over: flood watches persist, and another round of heavy rain is on the started as a holiday weekend turned into one of the deadliest inland flood events in modern U.S. history. The immediate focus is on rescue and recovery—but the deeper challenge lies in learning, adapting, and preventing future tragedies.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Texas flooding: stories of loss, resilience, and urgent need
Grief in Kerr County In the heart of Texas Hill Country, the floods claimed at least 132 lives—many in Kerr County , where entire families and groups of campers were swept away in a matter of hours. Boats, trailers, and homes vanished as the waters tore through the Guadalupe River canyon. Authorities are still searching for over a hundred people believed to be missing. Lives upended One of the most heartbreaking stories: a young college student who stayed behind to help shelter loved ones, his final call cut short by the raging flood before his home was washed away. His voice now a powerful reminder of bravery in utter chaos. Camp tragedy Camp Mystic and a neighboring youth camp were struck at night, with dozens of campers and counselors caught in flash floods . A camp leader delayed evacuation—making split-second decisions as waters surged. The loss of children and caregivers has left families and communities shattered. Flawed warning systems Investigations reveal that code-based alerts (CodeRED) were used instead of broader systems like IPAWS. Residents didn't receive timely warnings via all channels—some alerts arrived after the worst had already passed, spurring calls for reform. Live Events Rescue in the rain Search and recovery efforts continue—amid rising rivers and renewed storms. Crews are using boats, drones, sonar, and dog teams to bring closure to families. But the danger isn't over: flood watches persist, and another round of heavy rain is on the way. What this crisis teaches us Nature's fury vs. human vulnerability In Flash Flood Alley, rivers can transform from gentle streams into walls of water in under an hour—catching even the prepared unaware. The value of modern alerts Had broader public-alert systems been activated sooner, more lives might have been spared. Now, the state is facing pressure to modernize and act faster. Community matters From families carrying each other on boats to college towns holding processions for victims, neighborliness is rising in response to tragedy. These moments of unity reflect the very best of the human spirit, even in darkest times. Legacy of loss Beyond the statistics—children, campers, parents, counselors, couples with plans and dreams—were lives rich in potential and love. Their absence is not just a number—it's a void felt in homes, campuses, and churches across Texas. How you can help & respond Stay weather-wise : If you're in the Hill Country or other flood-prone regions, sign up for public alert systems like IPAWS and CodeRED. Support recovery : Many families need help with housing, food, and funeral costs—donations to vetted local groups can make an immediate difference. Push for change : Reach out to local representatives to advocate for upgrades to early-warning systems and better emergency protocols . Hold space for grief : In towns across Texas, vigil events and memorials are planned to honor those lost. Sharing their stories helps ensure they're never forgotten. Bottom line What started as a holiday weekend turned into one of the deadliest inland flood events in modern U.S. history. The immediate focus is on rescue and recovery—but the deeper challenge lies in learning, adapting, and preventing future tragedies.
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First Post
08-07-2025
- First Post
Explained: Why the Texas floods were so catastrophic
The death toll in the flash floods in Texas has surpassed 100, with many still missing. But why was the deluge so deadly? Geography, climate change and policy failures amplified the impact of the storm read more Volunteers search for missing people along the banks of the Guadalupe River after recent flooding. AP Catastrophic flash floods hit Texas on Friday (July 4) amid Independence Day celebrations. Nearly 104 people have died while hundreds of others are missing as the deluge struck a children's summer camp and other holiday spots. Search operations are now underway amid predictions for more rain in the coming days. The floods were unprecedented. A month's rainfall was received in just a few hours, causing the Guadalupe River to burst its banks. But what was the reason for such torrential rain? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What caused the flash floods? The National Weather Service (NWS) has termed flash flooding as a rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, which was witnessed on July 4. It mainly occurs when the water level of a stream rises rapidly above the preset flood levels. In the case of the Texas floods, the area was in the middle of a drought, which worsened the situation, reported Associated Press. People climb over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area. AP Hatim Sharif, a hydrologist at the University of Texas at San Antonio, noted that Texas's Hill Country sits in an area known as 'Flash Flood Alley'. The ascent of warm Gulf air along the Balcones Escarpment, a formidable arc of steep hills and cliffs southwest of Dallas, leads to rapid cooling and intense downpours. These heavy rains quickly wash away the shallow soil, exposing the bedrock beneath. 'Water will rise very, very quickly, within minutes or a few hours,' Sharif told AFP. This was proved in the early hours of July 4. Around 3:00 am, a gauge near Camp Mystic in Hunt showed the Guadalupe River rising nearly a foot (30 centimetres) every five minutes; by 4:30 am, the river had surged more than 20 feet, National Weather Service data show. That's enough water to sweep away people, vehicles and buildings. An urgent NWS warning went out shortly after 1 am, but most campers were asleep; phones are banned, coverage is patchy, and darkness makes escape routes hard to judge. Sharif urges the use of hydrologic forecasts that convert rainfall into likely river levels. 'Rainfall needs to be translated into runoff,' he said. 'If you have 10 inches, what will happen?' Summer camps have long been drawn to the region for its natural beauty. But with increasing risks, Sharif warns that treating these sites as safe or permanent is unwise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is climate change to blame? Climate change has come up once again in conversations after the floods. According to a new analysis by ClimaMeter, the extreme meteorological conditions preceding the floods, delivering more than double the typical monthly rainfall in just one day, suggest a cause beyond natural climate fluctuations. 'Climate change is already affecting us, so we need to adapt,' said Mireia Ginesta, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford, who co-authored the research, which is funded by the European Union and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). 'We also need to cut our emissions, and make sure that proper funding is provided to the forecast services and research in general on climate change.' Marissa Zachry, a rescue worker, takes a moment while searching for survivors along the Guadalupe River on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. AP The call comes as the National Weather Service, like other agencies, has experienced deep staffing cuts under President Donald Trump's administration. Experts stress, however, that NWS forecasters performed admirably under the circumstances. The real failure, wrote climate scientist Daniel Swain on Bluesky, 'was not a bad weather prediction, it was one of 'last mile' forecast/warning dissemination.' Was there a warning system in place? According to USA TODAY, the NWS issued flash flood alerts just after 1 am and 4 am, but since most people near the river were asleep, they missed it altogether. A 'flood watch' was issued July 3 with the weather agency stating that there was a 'slight risk' of flash flooding. But there was nothing indicating catastrophic floods like what took place in the early morning hours of July 4, the report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For years, commissioners in Kerr County, where the camps lie, considered flood sirens and digital alerts to replace the informal practice of summer camp staff getting on the radio and warning fellow camps. Minutes from a 2016 meeting show officials labelling even a feasibility study 'a little extravagant,' suggesting sirens would mainly help tourists, and vouching for the word-of-mouth system. 'The thought of our beautiful Kerr County having these damn sirens going off in the middle of night, I'm going to have to start drinking again to put up with y'all,' Commissioner HA Buster Baldwin said in a transcript. The debate rolled on. Residents during meetings in 2021 expressed strident opposition toward relying on federal funds tied to the Biden administration. After the disaster, San Antonio mother Nicole Wilson, who almost sent her daughters to Camp Mystic, launched a petition on urging Governor Greg Abbott to approve a modern warning network. 'Five minutes of that siren going off could have saved every single one of those children,' she told AFP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
