The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, faced intense questioning on Monday about the federal response to the catastrophic flash floods in Texas. The natural disaster, which struck six counties starting early Friday, has claimed over 100 lives, including those at a Christian girls' camp who fell victim to the sudden deluge.
During a press briefing, Hearst Television White House correspondent Kalyn Norwood inquired why residents received flood alerts overnight when most were likely asleep. The question implied a potential oversight in the emergency notification procedures and timing protocols. Leavitt responded by underscoring the inherent unpredictability of natural disasters, stating that the government had disseminated warnings promptly before the flooding occurred. She also highlighted that the timing of the floods, striking during the early hours, was not within administrative control.
Leavitt provided a detailed account of the National Weather Service's actions leading up to the floods. Initial weather advisories and flooding risk notices were issued on July 2, allowing for early preparation. Escalated alerts followed on July 3, with a flood watch at 1:18 p.m. and a warning about excessive rainfall and high flash flooding likelihood at 6:10 p.m. Despite ongoing updates, the tragedy unfolded rapidly around 4 a.m. Friday morning, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in 45 minutes, leading to unprecedented and dangerous conditions.
The enormity of the disaster was felt acutely at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, where young campers were swept away as floodwaters devastated the campsite. Twenty-seven young lives were lost, with eleven others still missing. The camp, deeply shaken, released a statement expressing their grief and commitment to supporting the families affected. Meanwhile, local and state authorities have mobilized significant search and rescue efforts, and President Donald Trump signed a federal disaster declaration to aid recovery.
As communities begin the arduous process of rebuilding, the Texas floods stand as a stark reminder of nature's power and the importance of emergency preparedness and response. The federal government's role in disaster relief will be further assessed during President Trump's planned visit to the region on Friday.
