Particle.news
Download on the App Store
14 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Texas Flood Death Toll Tops 120 as Legislature Prepares Special Session on Warning Failures

Lawmakers will convene later this month to overhaul flood warning systems in response to criticism over delayed alerts that hindered rescue efforts.

Image
Image
Search and recovery crews use a large excavator to remove debris from the bank of the Guadalupe River in Center Point, Texas, on Wednesday.
Dan Beazley, of Michigan, left, and Abigail Smithson hold a large cross during a vigil for flooding victims at Tivy Antler Stadium on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Overview

  • Officials confirm at least 119 deaths with some reports citing 120 fatalities and more than 170 people still unaccounted for.
  • Search and recovery operations have entered their seventh day, facing obstructing sightseers, hazardous debris piles and damaged roads.
  • Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha has urged residents to avoid using heavy machinery on debris until first responders verify there are no victims.
  • Leaked audio shows local officials waited about an hour to issue a CodeRED emergency alert as the Guadalupe River surged on July 4.
  • Governor Greg Abbott has called a special legislative session beginning July 21 to fund new flood warning infrastructure and strengthen emergency communications.