I live in tornado alley. Our city was hit by a tornado in 2007. I know what it's like to get the alert in the middle of the night to get to safety. And to see your city in ruins the morning after.
A point that has been made is that Mexico sent aid before our own President did. Even though our country has been treating migrants like animals, they didn't hesitate. That's a powerful statement. We need to remember that.
One other point for the people who think that the states or local communities should pay for these things themselves: By forcing each local community to research, source, and pay for their own solutions, it ultimately costs taxpayers much more than when we can work together and pool resources.
Just going to say it again where are the Democrats in the news cycle talking about the Texas Commissioners not accepting money from Democrats this is again about this hatred of Democrats and their inability to play nicely in order to save humans I personally think religion is the cause of most of the shit they all want in the end times and God's going to save them and kill the rest of us what a bloody joke
Texas has been run by republicans for 30 years. The state sits on a 20+ billion dollar misnamed “rainy day fund”. The state wants these small municipalities to pay the cost for the warning systems themselves. Kerr County lobbied for sirens for years and the state said no. It’s telling that AG Paxton is calling out the state for doing nothing because he’s running against Cornyn in the midterms.
Thank you for this incredibly detailed account of what went wrong - and what could have gone right. I hope every Texas policy maker reads this. They need to.
This is a good summary, thanks.I'd like to add a few things that I have noticed. First of all, I live in San Antonio. 13 people died in June in a ~5am flash flood that pushed them off the entrance road to an expressway. They were probably traveling to and from work, and on what should have been a safe access to a safe road. I haven't traveled that road so I don't know if there was a low water advisory there, but I don't believe there was, and they're certainly were no barricades.
So we were having lessons about the effects of climate change a little earlier than some in the Hill country, and with devastating results.
As for the July 4th flooding, not for it nor the disaster above did I receive an alert on my phone. I frequently get them, but they were absent during these events. I later read that alerts regarding the July 4th events were published on X, a platform I do not use, and certainly doesn't reach everyone that might need to know these things.
I completely agree with Olivia that significant work needs to be done to prevent damage and death from The increased extreme weather that climate change brings, including fire weather. She's right when she says just as we need it more it's being cut by the current administration.
I'm glad I haven't heard anyone say "act of God* about all of the events that are happening and have happened. And we also need more research and significant engineering to withstand the extremities of climate change.
We too were under watches and warnings July 3-6. No phone alerts until Sunday…
I live in Comal county in Texas downstream from the biggest tragedy areas. The Guadalupe River feeds into Canyon Lake here. The river crested in Spring Branch on Saturday, July 5th around 5am at 29’. Biggest question is: Are they sure alerts were coming to our phones? First alerts to my phone were on Sunday, July 6. I received 3 on Sunday and 0 before. Trying to understand.
If this Federal Government now feels that it should not be required to fund these programs, then the States should withhold the tax dollars needed to fund them. Shrink the federal
Programs and consequently shrink the budget and the revenues needed. That makes sense!
My town of Ellicott City, Maryland, and its historic Main Street, has been devastated by 3 floods. With no warning, there was loss of life and destruction of businesses. We rebuilt after each flood. Residents pitched in to help clean up and rebuild. We finally had a flood mitigation approved and developed a warning system. We as taxpayers understand the value of lives and the importance of preserving history! My heart breaks for the tragedy in Texas. Perhaps Gov. Abbott could learn a lot from our Gov. Moore.
I remember your floods in 2018. Your town has shown incredible spirit after so much devastation. It was the first crisis response I tracked literally my first day on the job in the White House. It was my first briefing ever to Pence. I will never forget that day nor the National Guardsman who lost his life—he was a very good friend of mine’s best friend.
Thank you Olivia: yes the Heritage Foudation would like to cancel FEMA. Calling it pork is abhorrent. Governor Abbott was against FEMA funds for California and now he would like help from FEMA. and I pray he gets all the help FEMA can muster. When it comes to national disasters the color of states should have no bearing on who get assistance. Trump claims he is going to phase out FEMA entirely after the 2025 hurricane season. If he thinks natural disaster are not going to happen in 2026 he has rocks in his head. Global warming is happening and that is a fact. So what does Trump do but cancel out Solar and wind energy for fossil fuels. Yes Mr. Trump lets create more pollution and bring on more disasters. It may be a good idea to refrain from putting children's camp in known flood plains. Cutting the NOAA & NWS is a bad idea. the best weather surveillance systems world wide and Trump is diminishing their services.
As usual, Olivia Troye gives us the information and incite needed for people to understand in a concise and clear way that only she can provide. Thank you as always and keep fighting for all of us!
During the devastating hurricane season of 2017, the island of St Croix suffered similar fate. The early warning system did not work and the website with disaster management information was down. Thankfully, there were very few lives lost.
Olivia-Keep up the great work you're doing.
They also refused $ for sirens because it was Biden offering it.
There is a transcript of the leaders in Kerr county turning down Biden's money for an alarm system because it came from Biden.
https://www.threads.com/@jonberrydesign/post/DL5Xb6RvrGX?xmt=AQF0gTNysvFJ0Mdobh8Ri1XAjjsPYeBWgM-2_eECprRc3g
Look at Reddit r/leopardsatemyface kerr county
Here’s local reporting and video on Kerr County’s refusal to be “slaves” to the Federal Government:
https://www.chron.com/news/article/kerr-county-flood-funds-20766069.php
I live in tornado alley. Our city was hit by a tornado in 2007. I know what it's like to get the alert in the middle of the night to get to safety. And to see your city in ruins the morning after.
A point that has been made is that Mexico sent aid before our own President did. Even though our country has been treating migrants like animals, they didn't hesitate. That's a powerful statement. We need to remember that.
I grieve for Texas.
One other point for the people who think that the states or local communities should pay for these things themselves: By forcing each local community to research, source, and pay for their own solutions, it ultimately costs taxpayers much more than when we can work together and pool resources.
I burst into tears listening to the young coast guard who saved 163 people by himself. Great hearing about this young 26 year old hero.
That said, signs are pointing to the fact that more would have been saved had they been given more time to escape these floods.
We froze and lost power under Abbott and yet he is still in power. So many dead. Heart breaking.
Yes, the coast guard guy is a hero! He saved so many people.
And he volunteered to stay behind so two other people could be rescued. He became the onsite rescue coordinator, too.
His first mission. He knows his purpose.
God bless him.
Just going to say it again where are the Democrats in the news cycle talking about the Texas Commissioners not accepting money from Democrats this is again about this hatred of Democrats and their inability to play nicely in order to save humans I personally think religion is the cause of most of the shit they all want in the end times and God's going to save them and kill the rest of us what a bloody joke
Agree. It's what happens when you don't feel connected to fellow human beings.
Texas has been run by republicans for 30 years. The state sits on a 20+ billion dollar misnamed “rainy day fund”. The state wants these small municipalities to pay the cost for the warning systems themselves. Kerr County lobbied for sirens for years and the state said no. It’s telling that AG Paxton is calling out the state for doing nothing because he’s running against Cornyn in the midterms.
Again politics over lives
Thank you for this incredibly detailed account of what went wrong - and what could have gone right. I hope every Texas policy maker reads this. They need to.
I hope they read it, too, but I highly doubt it; they might have to make some actual changes, spend some money that they’d rather pocket…
This is a good summary, thanks.I'd like to add a few things that I have noticed. First of all, I live in San Antonio. 13 people died in June in a ~5am flash flood that pushed them off the entrance road to an expressway. They were probably traveling to and from work, and on what should have been a safe access to a safe road. I haven't traveled that road so I don't know if there was a low water advisory there, but I don't believe there was, and they're certainly were no barricades.
So we were having lessons about the effects of climate change a little earlier than some in the Hill country, and with devastating results.
As for the July 4th flooding, not for it nor the disaster above did I receive an alert on my phone. I frequently get them, but they were absent during these events. I later read that alerts regarding the July 4th events were published on X, a platform I do not use, and certainly doesn't reach everyone that might need to know these things.
I completely agree with Olivia that significant work needs to be done to prevent damage and death from The increased extreme weather that climate change brings, including fire weather. She's right when she says just as we need it more it's being cut by the current administration.
I'm glad I haven't heard anyone say "act of God* about all of the events that are happening and have happened. And we also need more research and significant engineering to withstand the extremities of climate change.
We too were under watches and warnings July 3-6. No phone alerts until Sunday…
I live in Comal county in Texas downstream from the biggest tragedy areas. The Guadalupe River feeds into Canyon Lake here. The river crested in Spring Branch on Saturday, July 5th around 5am at 29’. Biggest question is: Are they sure alerts were coming to our phones? First alerts to my phone were on Sunday, July 6. I received 3 on Sunday and 0 before. Trying to understand.
Very, very heartbreaking. So many lost.
Oh the right wing have definitely gone with the “act of God” defense. Deplorable. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/united-states/article/2025/07/08/deadly-floods-in-texas-put-republicans-on-the-defensive-it-was-an-act-of-god-not-the-administration_6743142_133.html
If this Federal Government now feels that it should not be required to fund these programs, then the States should withhold the tax dollars needed to fund them. Shrink the federal
Programs and consequently shrink the budget and the revenues needed. That makes sense!
Olivia: your info is always so eye-opening; thank you so much for all that you do!
Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I appreciate it.
Oh, and the Forest Service just terminated 1,400 firefighters/fire emergency managers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcTSwliH8dU
My town of Ellicott City, Maryland, and its historic Main Street, has been devastated by 3 floods. With no warning, there was loss of life and destruction of businesses. We rebuilt after each flood. Residents pitched in to help clean up and rebuild. We finally had a flood mitigation approved and developed a warning system. We as taxpayers understand the value of lives and the importance of preserving history! My heart breaks for the tragedy in Texas. Perhaps Gov. Abbott could learn a lot from our Gov. Moore.
https://youtu.be/LNv0ITVOzHA?si=WuB9BLTQZVaNRKSV
I remember your floods in 2018. Your town has shown incredible spirit after so much devastation. It was the first crisis response I tracked literally my first day on the job in the White House. It was my first briefing ever to Pence. I will never forget that day nor the National Guardsman who lost his life—he was a very good friend of mine’s best friend.
Olivia, this piece should be the guest editorial for every newspaper still shared with readers today, whether in print or digitally online.
Thank you Olivia: yes the Heritage Foudation would like to cancel FEMA. Calling it pork is abhorrent. Governor Abbott was against FEMA funds for California and now he would like help from FEMA. and I pray he gets all the help FEMA can muster. When it comes to national disasters the color of states should have no bearing on who get assistance. Trump claims he is going to phase out FEMA entirely after the 2025 hurricane season. If he thinks natural disaster are not going to happen in 2026 he has rocks in his head. Global warming is happening and that is a fact. So what does Trump do but cancel out Solar and wind energy for fossil fuels. Yes Mr. Trump lets create more pollution and bring on more disasters. It may be a good idea to refrain from putting children's camp in known flood plains. Cutting the NOAA & NWS is a bad idea. the best weather surveillance systems world wide and Trump is diminishing their services.
As usual, Olivia Troye gives us the information and incite needed for people to understand in a concise and clear way that only she can provide. Thank you as always and keep fighting for all of us!
Thank you for this.
During the devastating hurricane season of 2017, the island of St Croix suffered similar fate. The early warning system did not work and the website with disaster management information was down. Thankfully, there were very few lives lost.