State Legislative Hearing Highlights Emergency Failures During July Flood in Texas Hill Country

A joint hearing by the Texas Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding spotlighted systemic emergency response failures during the catastrophic flash flooding that struck Kerr County on July 4, claiming more than 135 lives, including at least 27 youths and counselors at Camp Mystic.

Major Findings & Testimonies

• Key officials were unavailable during the critical period when the flood struck: Emergency Management Coordinator William “Dub” Thomas was on sick leave, Sheriff Larry Leitha was asleep, and County Judge Rob Kelly was out of town. All confirmed they were unaware of imminent danger until well after waters began rising.

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and lawmakers sharply criticized the absence of local leadership, with Patrick demanding, “I never saw you…you were nowhere to be found”.

• Residents delivered emotional testimony: some escaped by clinging to trees or vehicles as water engulfed homes. Many lamented the absence of warnings due to poor cell service and the lack of sirens along the river.

• In contrast, neighboring Kendall County executed a robust response—activating operations at 4 a.m., issuing siren alerts and evacuating residents—resulting in no flood deaths.

Calls to Action

• Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring urged legislators to install a flash-flood warning system within one year, highlighting the urgent need for sirens and real-time alerts.

• Lawmakers committed to crafting and passing legislation this special session—and sustaining efforts in future sessions—to fund early-warning infrastructure, improve broadband in rural regions, and mandate evacuation protocols and training