During a devastating flood in Texas, Senator Ted Cruz was spotted in Athens, Greece, sightseeing with his family while rescuers searched for victims. Cruz’s trip to Europe came shortly after the Texas Division of Emergency Management activated state emergency response resources and a day after the Guadalupe River burst its banks, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. This incident sparked criticism, as it echoed past instances where Cruz faced scrutiny for traveling during his constituents’ times of need. Despite the Senator’s later claims of being in contact with officials and returning to Texas, the timing of his trip raised questions about his priorities.
Read More
Following the tragic flash floods in central Texas that resulted in numerous deaths, Senator Ted Cruz called for a “better system” to improve disaster preparedness and warning systems. His comments were met with criticism, as the Trump administration, which he supported, had previously slashed funding for weather forecasting agencies like NOAA and the National Weather Service, leading to reduced staffing. Critics pointed out that these budget cuts may have hindered the effectiveness of existing warning systems. While the NWS has defended its pre-flood warnings, the backlash highlights concerns about the impact of funding cuts on crucial services.
Read More
Following deadly flash floods in Texas that claimed at least 80 lives, President Trump dismissed concerns about potential staffing shortages at the National Weather Service (NWS), labeling the event as an unforeseen “once-in-a-100-years” occurrence. The NWS had issued flash flood warnings, though some officials, including Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd, noted discrepancies between initial forecasts and the actual rainfall. Despite these issues, the NWS has stated its commitment to their mission. As rescue operations continue, concerns are growing regarding the potential impact of government staffing cuts and the accuracy of weather predictions in disaster preparedness.
Read More
The devastating flash floods in Central Texas, which claimed over 80 lives, are prompting criticism of Kerr County’s past decisions to forgo a siren alert system due to budgetary constraints. Despite being located in a flood-prone area, the county rejected proposals for such a system, while a state bill aimed at funding improved disaster alert infrastructure, including sirens, failed earlier this year. The recent catastrophic flooding, which caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically overnight, has highlighted the potential life-saving benefits of audible warning systems, as many residents were asleep or lacked access to mobile alerts. Now, officials are reevaluating the importance of early warning systems, with potential future legislation addressing the issue.
Read More
Responding to questions about the Texas floods, President Trump stated his administration had no plans to rehire meteorologists previously let go due to budget cuts. When asked if the government needed to rehire meteorologists, Trump responded, “I would think not,” as the floods occurred too quickly for anyone to have predicted the event. Critics on social media quickly condemned the president’s remarks, with many suggesting he was shirking responsibility for the disaster and the potential for more accurate forecasting. The president was also criticized for spending the weekend at a golf resort.
Read More
A devastating flash flood in the Texas Hill Country, triggered by unprecedented rainfall, claimed the lives of at least 43 people in Kerr County, with a number still missing, including 27 girls from a summer camp. Despite a series of flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service, questions have been raised regarding the preparedness and response of local officials, as well as the timeliness of alerts to residents and camps along the Guadalupe River. Local authorities maintain that the intensity of the downpour was unforeseen, while meteorologists suggest that proactive measures could have reduced the fatalities. The county had considered a flood warning system but never implemented it due to the cost.
Read More
Following devastating flash floods in Texas, President Trump addressed reporters in New Jersey. When questioned about federal cuts potentially impacting the disaster response, Trump dismissed the inquiry and deferred blame to the Biden administration. He also expressed uncertainty about rehiring meteorologists who had been let go. Despite Trump’s statements, the National Weather Service confirmed issuing warnings hours before the floods, contradicting his assessment of the situation.
Read More
HuffPost has been dedicated to delivering fact-based journalism for twenty years and is seeking continued support to maintain this mission. Readers’ initial contributions have been instrumental in bolstering the newsroom, especially during challenging periods. The publication expresses gratitude for past support and encourages readers to contribute again to ensure its longevity and continued pursuit of truth.
Read More
The Independence Day tragedy in Texas, where over 50 people died due to severe flooding, is under scrutiny, with budget cuts to the National Weather Service and NOAA ordered by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) potentially contributing to the loss of life. The cuts, including staff reductions and a hiring freeze, had led to warnings from meteorologists that the American people would suffer and lives would be put in danger. The National Weather Service issued warnings of the storm’s severity only after midnight, long after many campers were asleep. The Trump administration is now facing criticism over the cuts, while private weather companies like AccuWeather are promoting their own forecasts and blaming local officials for the tragedy.
Read More
Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Trump administration’s response to the Texas flash floods, attributing the delayed warning to outdated technology and highlighting ongoing upgrades. Noem deflected criticism by stating the administration is working to fix neglected systems, shifting blame to previous administrations. While acknowledging concerns regarding cuts to weather research labs, she assured reporters she would convey these issues to President Trump. The report also mentioned recent cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service as well as Trump’s plans to phase out FEMA.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker