In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas, officials have significantly revised the number of missing persons from 97 down to three, following an extensive search and verification process. This revision comes after a devastating Fourth of July weekend that claimed at least 135 lives across the state, including 107 in Kerr County, and prompted a massive search effort along the Guadalupe River. Recovery operations will continue, with over 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities involved in the ongoing efforts. The Texas governor has also announced a special legislative session to address critical issues such as flood warning systems, emergency communications, and victim relief funding.
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According to a new report, Florida officials diverted resources intended for disaster preparedness and response to construct the Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention jail under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis. Many of the $20 million in contracts analyzed by TPM were awarded to DeSantis donors or political allies, and the contracts themselves mysteriously disappeared from the Florida Department of Financial Services website. This alleged misappropriation of funds has drawn strong criticism from Democrats, especially as the peak of hurricane season approaches. Furthermore, it was revealed that a 15-year-old was detained at the jail, despite prior claims of housing only adults, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding the facility.
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Amidst the devastating Texas floods, which resulted in numerous deaths and missing persons, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delayed crucial aid by requiring her signature on contracts and grants over $100,000. According to multiple sources, this new requirement delayed the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue crews, aerial imagery, and additional staff for FEMA’s disaster call center. While Texas awaited aid, Noem took to social media to ask followers for their preference on her official portrait as a former governor. Former FEMA Director Deanne Criswell stated that these delays could have cost lives.
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Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking at the FEMA Review Council meeting, renewed her call for a complete overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Despite FEMA’s ongoing involvement in search and recovery efforts following devastating floods in Texas, Noem advocated for its elimination and replacement with a more responsive agency. She specifically stated that FEMA should shift its operational model to be state and locally driven, departing from its decades-long federal-led approach. This proposed restructuring aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in disaster response.
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Volunteer firefighters from Acuña, Mexico, have joined search and rescue efforts in Kerrville, Texas, following devastating flash floods over the Fourth of July weekend. The Civil Protection Water Rescue Team and Cure Firefighters, partnering with Foundation 911, arrived Sunday morning to assist in the international response. The floods, triggered by a rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, caused catastrophic damage and tragically claimed the lives of many, including those at a summer camp. As of Sunday, authorities confirmed a number of people missing across the state, with President Trump declaring a major disaster for Kerr County.
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Texas Hill Country was devastated by flash flooding on Friday, resulting in at least 13 confirmed deaths and numerous individuals still unaccounted for, including approximately 20 girls from a summer camp. Over 10 inches of rain fell overnight, causing the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, prompting widespread search and rescue efforts using boats, helicopters, and drones. Authorities were working to identify the deceased and stressed the death toll could rise. Emergency responders and community members are actively searching for those missing in the area.
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Severe storms, including confirmed tornadoes, ravaged parts of the upper Midwest, resulting in three fatalities and significant damage to the Bemidji Regional Airport and numerous homes. Nearly 150 million Americans faced a heat advisory or warning, with some areas experiencing temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. The storms caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, prompting statewide disaster declarations. Simultaneously, Alaska battled over 100 wildfires, necessitating evacuations near Fairbanks and Denali National Park due to escalating fire conditions.
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Since his re-election, President Trump has visited no natural disaster sites, despite numerous deadly events across the U.S., contrasting sharply with his campaign rhetoric. Furthermore, his administration has delayed and reduced aid to victims, reneging on promises made to North Carolina residents following Tropical Storm Helene. This inaction stands in stark contrast to his previous use of disaster visits for political gain, and reflects a broader push to shift disaster relief responsibilities from the federal government to individual states. This policy change has left affected states struggling to fund recovery efforts.
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Torrential rains in northern West Virginia resulted in flash flooding, claiming five lives, including a young child, and leaving three others missing. The deluge, exceeding four inches in some areas within a half-hour, overwhelmed infrastructure, submerging vehicles and causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, and gas lines. Rescue crews performed nineteen swift water rescues and continued searching for the missing, utilizing drones and search dogs amidst ongoing power outages and hampered restoration efforts. A state of emergency has been declared in affected counties.
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President Trump announced plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the 2025 hurricane season, shifting disaster relief responsibilities to states. This decision, supported by Homeland Security Secretary Noem, aims to reduce federal aid and increase state autonomy in disaster response. The administration believes governors should handle such situations, though concerns exist regarding state preparedness for catastrophic events. A FEMA review council is currently assessing the agency’s future, potentially leading to significant reductions in its size and operational scope.
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John Q. Hosedrinker