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Death Toll From Central Texas Flash Floods Surpasses 100 as Federal Aid and Warning Reforms Are Readied

Federal relief is en route for Kerr County under a major disaster declaration with officials planning new siren networks by next summer.

Scott Ruskan, the 26-year-old rescue swimmer who has been applauded as an "American hero," for saving lives amidst the Texas flash floods.
A search and rescue team looks for people along the Guadalupe River near a damaged building at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 7, 2025, following severe flash flooding that occurred during the July 4 holiday weekend. (RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)
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Overview

  • Search and rescue operations continue in Kerr County and along the Guadalupe River as the confirmed death toll climbs above 100 and dozens remain unaccounted for.
  • President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to unlock federal aid and will visit the flood zone on July 11.
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed claims that Trump-era cuts to weather agencies weakened warnings, labeling them a “depraved lie.”
  • National Weather Service officials and independent meteorologists say staffing or budget cuts did not impair forecasts, highlighting that flood watches and a flash flood emergency were issued hours before the river surged.
  • Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said flood-warning sirens should be installed statewide by next summer to improve alert dissemination in the region known as Flash Flood Alley.