The devastating floods in Central Texas have claimed at least 51 lives, including 15 children, after a powerful and unexpected storm dumped over 15 inches of rain into the region surrounding the Guadalupe River on Friday morning.
The floodwaters surged to a staggering 29 feet, inundating homes, roads, and tourist hubs across the Texas Hill Country, particularly around Kerrville.
Officials report that hundreds have been rescued, with over 850 people evacuated, some clinging to trees. Authorities continue to search for missing persons, including 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a summer camp in the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued only a moderate flood watch ahead of the storm, sparking outrage over the lack of accurate forecasting. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged the failure, attributing part of the problem to outdated systems and promising upgrades. She added that President Donald Trump would approve a federal disaster declaration requested by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which would unlock emergency aid.
Meanwhile, former NOAA Director Rick Spinrad blamed significant staff cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Trump administration for weakening the country’s forecasting capabilities. He said it was unclear whether the layoffs directly contributed to the delayed warnings but warned that such budgetary decisions inevitably impact the agency’s performance.
As floodwaters begin to recede in Kerr County, a flood watch remains in effect for the wider region until 7 PM, with officials urging continued caution. The tragic event has reignited debate over climate preparedness, forecasting infrastructure, and federal accountability in the face of extreme weather.
