US EditionOfficials Face Questions and Propose Improvements for Flood Alerts in Devastated Texas Community
KERR COUNTY, TEXAS, JUL 7 – Kerr County's failure to install flood sirens after a 1987 tragedy contributed to 75 deaths in a 2025 flood, prompting the state to fund siren installation along the Guadalupe River.
- During the July 4, 2025, flash floods along the Guadalupe River, 75 people died including 27 children and 10 campers missing, despite proposals for sirens since the 1987 bus tragedy that were never installed.
- Despite decades of debate, Kerr County's failed efforts and funding hurdles prevented outdoor siren installations after 2015 floods, leaving communities unprotected during the 2025 disaster.
- Despite flood watches issued up to 12 hours in advance, Kerr County relied solely on CodeRED alerts that failed due to no signal or locked phones, unlike neighboring counties with installed sirens credited with saving lives.
- Following the flash flood tragedy, death toll hit 75 as victims voiced frustration over warning failures, and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick pledged funding for sirens along the Guadalupe River.
- Sen. Paul Bettencourt filed a bill for Guadalupe River sirens, expecting more legislation at the July 21 special session to have them installed by next summer with state funding if needed.
25 Articles
25 Articles
State Senator working on bill to install more sirens in flood prone areas
Citing federal studies, Bettencourt worries alerts on cell phones can be ignored. A study of the effectiveness of the 2023 Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) national test alert showed, 17.5 percent of adults opted out of one or more WEA alerts.
After deadly floods, Texas leaders say they will fund warning sirens in upcoming legislative session
At least 109 people were confirmed dead on July 8 as a result of the Central Texas flooding. Officials said installing flood warning sirens and other infrastructure along the Guadalupe River could help prevent fatalities during future disasters.
Officials face questions and propose improvements for flood alerts in devastated Texas community
As search and rescue efforts continue after deadly flooding in Texas, one big question many are asking is about the exact warning systems in place.Officials are under fire, facing questions from reporters demanding to know why there was little early warning given before flood waters swept through the community.In 2016, Kerr County Commissioners considered installing flood sirens, but voted them down. Last month, House Bill 13, which would have f…
Texas officials chose sleep over 'disruptive' sirens before tragic floods
Efforts to implement an early warning system for weather emergencies failed nearly a decade ago in central Texas because some local officials and residents feared that sirens would disrupt their sleep.That decision is being called into question this week after more than 100 people, including dozens of children, were killed by flash flooding in the region and officials in Kerr County have faced criticism for an apparent failure to issue evacuatio…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 77% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
