As the death toll continues to rise following the catastrophic floods in Central Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the failures in warning and evacuation protocols for residents. The flash flooding, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least 90 people, primarily affected Kerr County, located approximately two hours northwest of San Antonio.
Many residents in Kerr County reside along the Guadalupe River, which experienced a dramatic rise of over 26 feet within just 45 minutes due to intense storms that began early Friday morning. In the aftermath, local officials are grappling with critical questions regarding the lack of timely warnings for those living near the river. Although the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch on Thursday, indicating potential flooding, a flash flood warning—signifying that flooding was imminent—was not released until early Friday morning, after nearly a foot of rain had already fallen.
In an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, Castro stressed the importance of ensuring that the NWS is adequately staffed and prepared to collaborate with local and state agencies, especially in light of the increasing frequency of severe weather events attributed to climate change. "We owe it to the community there and to the people of this country to do everything we can to prevent something like this from happening again," he stated.
Earlier this year, the NWS faced significant staffing cuts, losing nearly 600 employees due to decisions made during the Trump administration. Critics warned that these cuts could severely impact emergency preparedness. In response to public outcry, the agency has recently begun the process of rehiring to address the staffing shortages, with the Austin/San Antonio NWS forecast office reporting at least six vacancies.
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed claims that the federal response to the floods has been inadequate due to funding cuts. "Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning," she stated.
Rep. Castro, who represents the western half of San Antonio and Bexar County, is acutely aware of the region's struggles, as it is still recovering from flash floods last month that resulted in 13 fatalities. He believes that Kerr County will require substantial support—both state and federal—in order to rebuild and to implement effective flood mitigation strategies.
During the ongoing recovery efforts, hundreds of first responders have conducted water rescues, rescuing individuals stranded in trees and vehicles. Castro noted the challenges faced by local resources in smaller communities like Kerr County compared to larger urban areas such as Bexar County or Harris County, home to Houston. "The tax base there is much more limited, so it’s crucial that both state and federal governments provide the necessary support," he explained.
The recent floods in Kerr County and San Antonio, while both tragic, had distinct circumstances. Castro highlighted the differences, stating that in Kerr County, the rapid rise of the river posed significant risks to structures and homes, whereas in San Antonio, residents found themselves trapped in vehicles as floodwaters surged quickly. This underlines the critical need for robust resources, including a well-staffed NWS, to provide timely warnings and facilitate swift evacuations during emergencies.
One of the pressing questions from local and state officials, as well as the White House, revolves around the reasons for the delayed warnings. Some of Castro’s Senate colleagues have previously expressed their concerns regarding staffing reductions at the NWS and the potential implications for emergency preparedness. When asked if these cuts played a role in the inadequate warnings, Castro replied, "It’s too early to know for sure, but a full investigation is warranted to uncover any federal, state, or local failures." He reiterated the need for a thorough examination to prevent future tragedies.
As extreme rainfall events become more frequent, Rep. Castro emphasized the necessity for a strengthened NWS and improved collaboration between the NWS and local governments. He stressed the importance of enhancing warning systems and noted that discussions around climate change should move beyond politics. "Events that were once considered rare are now occurring more frequently," he remarked, underscoring the urgent need for action to address these growing threats.
This ongoing situation in Central Texas serves as a reminder of the critical need for improved emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to safeguard communities from the devastating impacts of severe weather.
