Texas, Camp Mystic and flash flood
Digest more
The deadly Texas floods have brought the state's approach to land approvals, especially in flood-prone areas, under more scrutiny.
The risk of the catastrophic flooding that struck Texas Hill Country as people slept on July 4 and left at least 120 dead was potentially underestimated by federal authorities, according to
Kerr County had discussed buying such things as water gauges and sirens after previous flood disasters. But as with many rural Texas counties, cost was an issue.
In areas that see rainfall and increased cloud cover, temperatures are expected to remain below seasonal averages into next week, providing some relief from the summer heat. However, much of central and southern Texas, areas in the recovery phase from the catastrophic flooding, will face dangerous heat instead of renewed flooding.
Many camps in the Guadalupe river region are adjacent or are partially inside high-risk flood zones, according to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Kerr County failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.
Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday as the Guadalupe River surged by more than 20 to 26 feet within 90 minutes, causing widespread devastation and forcing mass evacuations in Texas Hill Country. At least 80 people have been killed in the floods while others remain missing or displaced and more than 850 people required rescuing.