US EditionTexas Tribune: State Lawmakers Failed to Pass Bill to Improve Local Flood Warning Systems
- Devastating floods swept through Kerr County, Texas, early Friday morning, killing 68 people and causing widespread damage.
- The floods followed a flash flood watch on Thursday afternoon and a flash flood warning issued at 1:14 a.m. Friday for Bandera and Kerr Counties.
- Kerr County lacked a siren warning system, which residents had rejected before due to expense, and many were asleep or without cell phones when alerts went out.
- State Rep. Wes Virdell, who opposed a $500 million disaster response bill earlier this year, said his vote would likely be different now, but a warning system might not have helped due to how fast waters rose.
- The flood has renewed talks about improving emergency alert systems, with Gov. Greg Abbott scheduling a special session to consider legislation aimed at enhancing warning communications.
18 Articles
18 Articles
It is one of the largest flood disasters in the US over the past hundred years. The number of fatalities has risen to almost ninety. Meanwhile, it is being discussed why the early warning system did not work.
TX Republican now regrets voting against disaster plan: 'In hindsight'
"Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.Sign up for T...
Texas Republicans rejected a bill improving disaster warning systems ahead of floods
Editor’s Note: As the death toll from flash flooding in Texas Hill Country continues to rise, questions are swirling about the role that government inaction and past policy decisions may have contributed to the severity of the disaster.
Caller Times
Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year
A lawmaker who represents Kerr County voted against a bill that would have helped counties improve their emergency communication infrastructure.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
