After several weeks of search and rescue operations following a deadly flash flood, officials in Kerr County, Texas, reported on Saturday that only three individuals remain unaccounted for.
The flood, which hit over the July 4th weekend, caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically, leading to around 160 people being reported missing, including 116 from the area hardest hit, Kerr County.
“Thanks to thorough follow-ups by state and local agencies, many who were initially reported as missing have been confirmed safe and removed from the list,” a press release indicated.
Earlier this week, it was noted that around 100 individuals were still reported missing.
Dalton Rice, the City Manager of Carville, expressed gratitude for the efforts of over 1,000 local, state, and federal personnel who worked diligently in the aftermath of the floods.
This disaster has raised concerns regarding preparedness among local and federal authorities. Reports highlighted that local governments had attempted to establish warning systems along the Guadalupe, especially for camps near the river, but faced opposition due to costs and difficulties in securing federal funding.
Moreover, it was pointed out that the federal response might have been delayed by policies requiring approval from Homeland Security’s Christa Noem for contracts exceeding $100,000.
Noem has countered claims of an inadequate response, calling such reports “fake news” and “absolute garbage” during an appearance on “Fox and Friends.”
In response to allegations of slow reactions, Homeland Security Advisor Tricia McLaughlin labeled these claims as “a lie” and criticized them as an “unparalleled display of activist journalism.”
