Flash floods in Texas Hill Country have killed over 80 people, with dozens still missing. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, devastating communities. A Christian girls’ camp, Camp Mystic, confirmed the heartbreaking loss of 27 campers and staff during the July 4th weekend.
Officials say four months’ worth of rain fell in hours, overwhelming forecasts. Some blame the National Weather Service (NWS) for not warning the public effectively. However, meteorologists defend the accuracy of their predictions, citing rapid weather changes and communication breakdowns.
Staffing shortages at the San Antonio NWS office—key roles were unfilled—added to concerns. Criticism has also turned political. President Trump dismissed accusations that his 2025 budget cuts to the NWS contributed to the tragedy, calling the situation a “Biden setup”, though he later added he wouldn’t directly blame Biden.
Trump said the floods were sudden and unforeseeable, and confirmed federal help is active in Texas. As recovery continues, the focus remains on the victims, families, and rescue teams. The state mourns one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory.
