Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning over delayed warning alerts that failed to notify Texas residents in time before catastrophic flash floods struck the state. At least 32 people, including 14 children, have died in Kerrville after the Guadalupe River surged 30 feet beyond its normal height, devastating summer camps and ripping apart families.
Noem, standing beside Governor Greg Abbott during a Saturday press conference, was asked about the delayed National Weather Service warnings. She pointed to an “ancient system” and said the Trump Administration is working to renew and modernize it. While acknowledging the unpredictability of weather, she admitted more could have been done to provide earlier warnings.
Despite her calls for upgrading the system, Noem did not address the Trump Administration’s prior proposals to cut funding for FEMA and NOAA—both critical during natural disasters. NOAA’s weather labs and climate science programs are among those listed for proposed cuts.
Residents were not alerted until 1:18 p.m. on July 3, and were only warned of “moderate” storms. Many believe these slow updates contributed to the high death toll, with 27 people still missing.
Among the dead are three girls from Camp Mystic: Renee Smajstrla (8), Janie Hunt (9), and Sarah Marsh. The tragedy unfolded when floodwaters inundated the camp as the girls slept. Harrowing images show the camp obliterated—buildings shredded, beds buried in sludge, and belongings scattered across muddy floors.
Other victims include Jeff Ramsey and Jane Ragsdale, director of Heart O’ the Hills camp. A total of 850 people have been rescued, though dozens remain unaccounted for.
One of the most heartbreaking stories is that of Julian Ryan, a 27-year-old father who died saving his family. As water surged into their home, he smashed a window to get his loved ones to the roof. The act severed an artery in his arm, and hours later, he told them he wasn’t going to make it. His body was found after the water receded.
The floodwaters, already deadly, are still rising. Meteorologists are warning that Austin could be next. The Llano River is near its crest, and debris-filled water is racing toward Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. Boaters have been urged to leave the water immediately.
Rainfall of up to 10 inches is expected in parts of Texas, exacerbating already dire conditions. Flash flood emergencies have been declared in Travis and Burnet counties. Homes have been torn apart, children swept away, and families left broken.
Efforts to find the missing continue. Among those confirmed found are Camp Mystic counselor Ella Bennett and camper Annie Flack, along with two other unnamed campers. Dozens more are still missing. One young girl was found clinging to tree branches 12 miles downstream and was rescued. Helicopter footage shows dramatic airlifts as the search intensifies.
As families await word at reunification centers, names of the missing are being shared in hopes of finding answers. Parents are begging for help, including Serena Hanor Aldrich, who said her daughters were rescued but criticized camp officials for not preparing better. She believes they should have been following emergency alerts more closely.
Search efforts have drawn statewide and federal attention. Abbott promised that searches would continue day and night. He called the state’s response “quintessentially Texas,” adding that Texans unite in the face of disaster. He has requested federal aid, which Noem said President Trump is expected to approve.
Trump broke his silence Friday night, calling the flooding “shocking” and pledging full support for recovery efforts. He assured that the government would “take care of them.”
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reported that over 500 personnel, 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and hundreds of emergency responders have joined the search. A total of 237 people were rescued Friday alone.
Local officials in Kerr County expressed shock at the scale of destruction. County Judge Rob Kelly admitted that no one anticipated a flood of this magnitude.
As the rescue and recovery operation continues, the state remains on high alert. Floodwaters are still threatening lives, and the toll—both human and structural—is expected to grow. Families cling to hope as Texas responds with urgency and resolve.
