Across South Asia, devastating floods and landslides have claimed over 900 lives in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand, with hundreds still missing. Heavy monsoon rains, intensified by a tropical storm, have caused widespread damage, displacing thousands and leaving many without essential supplies. In Sri Lanka, the death toll has risen sharply, while Indonesia struggles to reach the hardest-hit areas and Thailand addresses public criticism of its flood response. The climate crisis is thought to be a contributing factor, impacting storm patterns and leading to intensified rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.
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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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During a visit to Kerrville, Texas, President Trump addressed the devastating flash floods. When a reporter questioned the effectiveness of warning systems and the potential for more lives saved, the president responded with harsh criticism, calling the reporter “evil.” Trump praised the efforts of first responders but did not directly address the families’ concerns about the lack of timely warnings. The president instead shifted the focus and attacked the media, with a Republican representative echoing his sentiments, while the community continues to grapple with the tragedy and remaining questions about preparedness.
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In 2021, Kerr County, Texas, declined federal funds that could have been used for a flood warning system, citing opposition to the Biden administration and a desire to avoid federal government involvement. Despite prior discussions dating back to 2016 regarding a siren and gauge system, and available funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, local officials faced political pressure from conservative residents who rejected federal assistance. The county ultimately used the funds for other purposes, with no money allocated for flood alerts. After deadly flash floods in July 2025 killed over 100 people, survivors and leaders are now calling for accountability, with one council member vowing to install a local siren personally.
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Texas inspectors approved Camp Mystic’s emergency planning just days before a catastrophic flood claimed the lives of numerous individuals, primarily children, at the all-girls camp. Despite compliance with state regulations, including evacuation procedures and staff assignments, inspection reports offered no details of those plans, raising questions about the camp’s preparedness. Tragically, the camp did not evacuate before the river surged from 14 to 29.5 feet within an hour, and at least 27 campers and counselors perished in the deluge. While state inspectors verified the camp’s emergency plans, they were not filed with the state, leaving the details of these critical documents unclear.
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Following devastating storms and floods in Arkansas from April 2-22, Governor Sanders again requested a major disaster declaration from President Trump on May 3. This request, encompassing widespread flood damage, power outages affecting 25,000 households, and three fatalities, follows a previous denied request for aid related to March storms. The cumulative impact of numerous recent disasters in Arkansas has severely strained state resources and caused widespread disaster fatigue, necessitating federal individual and public assistance, hazard mitigation funds, and small business loans. The governor’s request highlights the compounding challenges faced by Arkansans in recovering from repeated natural disasters.
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John Q. Hosedrinker