Sign in Subscribe
Floods

Texas Floods: Death Toll Rises to 135 Amidst Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The death toll in Texas has risen to 135 after devastating floods ravaged the state over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with most deaths occurring in Kerr County. The floods have also left dozens of people missing, but authorities have since accounted for nearly all of them, with only three still unaccounted for. The Texas Legislature is set to convene for a special session on Monday, where lawmakers will discuss the state's response to the flooding and consider improvements to warning systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of people missing in Kerr County has decreased from nearly 100 to three, as victims were recovered and contact was made with people who were found safe.
  • The Texas Legislature is convening for a special session on Monday to discuss the state's response to the flooding and consider improving warning systems.
  • Governor Greg Abbott has added flooding-related issues to the agenda for the special session, including regulating the booming business in THC products.
  • A total of 135 people have died in the floods, with most deaths occurring in Kerr County.
  • The Hill Country is naturally prone to flash flooding due to its dry, dirt-packed soil, which cannot soak up heavy rain.
  • The Government Accountability and Performance Transparency Committee is scheduled to meet on July 31 to consider the state's response to the fatal floods.
  • One bill already introduced by Republican Rep. Don McLaughlin would require the state's top public health official to set building standards for youth camps in 100-year floodplains.

Statistics:

  • 135 people have died in the floods in Texas.
  • 160 people were initially unaccounted for after the flooding in Kerr County alone.
  • 100-year floodplains are defined as high-risk areas with a 1% chance of flooding in any given year.
  • The state has over the past decade declined to help finance a warning system for Hill Country residents.
  • 30 days: the duration of the special session of the Texas Legislature.
  • 135,000: the number of residents in Kerr County.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (no date specified)
  • "Kerr County officials said the number of missing people decreased as victims were recovered, contact was made with people who were found safe and some reports were found to be unsubstantiated or falsified."
  • Governor Greg Abbott's office (no date specified)
  • "Abbott said lawmakers would also review authorities' handling of the flooding and consider improving warning systems for Hill Country residents."
  • The Texas Legislature (no date specified)
  • "Abbott has designated bills dealing with early warning systems and emergency communications as priorities for the Legislature's special session..."

Read more