Up First from NPR Texas Flooding Update, Tariff Limbo, Health Groups Sue RFK, Jr.
Tragic Texas Floods Reveal Deadly Warning System Failures
In central Texas, deadly floods have claimed at least 100 lives, with Kerr County alone reporting 84 fatalities including 28 children. Many of the children were from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, largely destroyed by the floodwaters.
Residents reported receiving little to no timely warning of the flood's severity. Most had no alarms, only some received late text messages when water was already at their doorsteps. Locals and politicians are now calling for an alarm system or flood sirens along the river to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and others acknowledge the need for state-funded sirens similar to those used in Israel for rapid alerts during emergencies. Authorities are continuing 24/7 search and rescue efforts while beginning cleanup as floodwaters recede.
Tragic Loss at Camp Mystic
- At Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, 27 campers and counselors died in the floods.
- Survivors like Paul Scherer lost homes but feel lucky and pray for the families affected.
Lack of Flood Alarms Cost Lives
- Residents mostly did not receive flood alarms as waters reached their homes.
- Texas officials now consider installing alarm systems along the river, similar to sirens used in Israel.