Texas Officials Admit Failures in July 4 Flood Response Killing 136

The deadly July 4 floods in Texas exposed critical failures in emergency response at multiple levels. Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator W.B. 'Dub' Thomas was reportedly asleep during the flood, raising questions about local preparedness and response. Texas emergency officials, including Chief Nim Kidd, acknowledged communication breakdowns and capacity issues during rescue operations, with plans to improve emergency response strategies underway. At a state legislative hearing, Kidd emphasized the need for credentialing local emergency managers, noting that local officials bear primary responsibility for disaster response. Additionally, the Trump administration’s broader rollback of funding and staffing for agencies like the National Weather Service and FEMA has weakened forecasting and disaster response capabilities, exacerbating vulnerabilities during extreme weather events. This systemic disinvestment has drawn increased scrutiny from national media, highlighting the link between political decisions and the growing risks posed by climate change.