Articles in this Cluster
09-07-2025
At least 161 people remain missing in Kerr County, Texas, four days after catastrophic flash floods that have killed at least 109 statewide, including 94 in the Kerrville area. Among the missing are five campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River. Governor Greg Abbott said search efforts—using Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, drones, and hundreds of responders from multiple agencies—will continue, though more missing may be added. Volunteers describe widespread, hard-to-access destruction and a shortage of cadaver dogs. Questions are mounting over the adequacy of warnings and evacuations; Abbott said officials anticipated flash flooding but not its magnitude. New Mexico also faced a flash flood emergency, with rescues underway in Ruidoso. President Trump plans to visit affected Texas areas on Friday.
Entities: Kerr County, Texas, Kerrville, Camp Mystic, Guadalupe River • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
An NPR/FRONTLINE analysis using First Street climate models found FEMA’s flood maps dramatically understate risk, missing major hazards at Texas’ Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe River. At least 17 camp structures were in the flood path, and eight buildings—including four cabins for younger campers—sat in FEMA-designated floodways, the most dangerous zones. First Street estimates more than twice as many Americans live in flood-prone areas as FEMA indicates, partly because FEMA maps rely on coastal surge and large-river data and often exclude rainfall-driven flash floods, which are intensifying with climate change. The gaps leave homeowners unaware, underinsured, and not required to build to flood-resilient standards—seen when 98% of homes damaged by Hurricane Helene were outside FEMA floodplains. FEMA cites limited mandate, funding, and required public review for updates; industry lobbying and political resistance to higher insurance costs also slow improvements. Experts urge swift funding for better mapping and stricter limits on development in floodways, warning that dismissing floodplain risks will lead to more loss of life.
Entities: FEMA, NPR/FRONTLINE, First Street Foundation, Camp Mystic, Guadalupe River • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: warn
09-07-2025
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott dismissed calls to assign blame for deadly Central Texas floods—calling blame “the word choice of losers” and comparing the response to a winning football team fixing mistakes. He said the GOP-led Legislature will investigate and consider prevention measures in a special session, while Republican officials pushed back on scrutiny over National Weather Service staffing and local warning systems. President Trump offered support to Texas leaders, and the White House criticized questions about federal disaster staffing. The floods have left at least 111 dead and over 170 missing, amid debate over accountability and the growing impact of extreme rain fueled by climate change.
Entities: Greg Abbott, Texas Legislature, National Weather Service, White House, Donald Trump • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
Catastrophic floods in Central Texas left at least 111 dead and 173 missing amid criticism that FEMA’s response was slower and smaller than expected, with only about 70 search-and-rescue workers sent to the hardest-hit Kerr County while the state deployed more than 1,750 personnel. Officials noted FEMA’s supporting role to states, but former FEMA leaders said the scale warranted a larger, faster federal deployment, contrasting it with quicker mobilization after Hurricane Helene. Delays were reportedly worsened by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s requirement to personally approve expenses over $100,000 with a five-day review window. Under President Trump, FEMA has lost roughly a quarter of its staff and faces possible dismantlement by November, with a council meeting to decide its fate. Leadership turmoil, budget controls, and uncertainty over FEMA’s future raised concerns about federal disaster capacity as climate-driven events intensify. Governor Greg Abbott emphasized state-led efforts and aid from other states, with minimal reference to federal assistance.
Entities: FEMA, Kristi Noem, Donald Trump, Greg Abbott, Kerr County • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: analyze
09-07-2025
At least 120 people have died and 173 remain missing after catastrophic July 4 floods in Texas, with Kerr County hardest hit (96 dead, 161 missing). Officials faced questions over inadequate warnings and preparedness, pledging a review while highlighting extensive rescue efforts. Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special legislative session including flood warning and emergency communication improvements, alongside broader agenda items like tax cuts. Families await news amid mounting grief, with many children among the victims, including at least 27 from Camp Mystic. Unclear accounting of the missing suggests the toll could rise further.
Entities: Texas, Kerr County, Gov. Greg Abbott, Camp Mystic, July 4 floods • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
A catastrophic pre-dawn flash flood along the Guadalupe River in Texas killed at least 121 people, with more still missing, making it one of the deadliest U.S. disasters for children in recent decades. Victims spanned campers, vacationing families, and local residents caught at home or on the road. Among them were at least two dozen girls and staff from a Christian summer camp; a 23-year-old Odessa police officer, Bailey Martin, who died alongside his parents while camping; multiple multigenerational RV campers; and locals like a 62-year-old Walmart worker driving to her shift. The dead include educators, first responders, students, and retirees, remembered for their faith, community service, and family devotion. Kerr County alone reported at least 161 missing as of Thursday, and The Times is continuing to identify victims through families and officials while updating tributes to their lives.
Entities: Guadalupe River, Central Texas, Kerr County, The New York Times, Bailey Martin • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
09-07-2025
Texas floods have left at least 109 people dead and more than 160 missing, with Kerr County—part of “Flash Flood Alley”—hit hardest, accounting for at least 94 fatalities. Governor Greg Abbott said the missing list, currently 161 in Kerr County alone, may grow as reports come in. Four days after the nighttime flash floods, hopes for finding survivors are fading as crews continue searches across the flood zone.
Entities: Texas, Kerr County, Flash Flood Alley, Greg Abbott, South China Morning Post • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
