Texas authorities are facing intense scrutiny over their response to flash floods that have killed at least 120 people, with 170 still missing. Concerns are mounting over delayed early alerts, which reportedly took 90 minutes to reach residents in some areas, despite a firefighter's urgent request at 4:22 AM on July 4.

The tragedy, particularly devastating for summer camps along the Guadalupe River in the central Texas Hill Country (dubbed "Flash Flood Alley"), saw 96 confirmed deaths in Kerr County alone, including 36 children. Camp Mystic was severely hit, with 27 girls and counselors confirmed dead and five campers and one counselor still missing.

As President Donald Trump prepares to visit the disaster zone, questions about communication failures and potential weakening of warning systems due to funding cuts have emerged. Kerr County officials have largely deflected specific questions about the delays, promising an "after-action" review. Governor Gregg Abbott has scheduled a special legislative session on July 21 to review and improve warning systems for future weather events.