Local officials dodge key questions about response to catastrophic Texas flooding

[ad_1] Native officers in Texas on Tuesday stated they have been unable to reply key questions on how ready they have been for the lethal flooding that struck the realm on Friday, together with how and when the county emergency supervisor responded.

The Nationwide Climate Service issued a flash flood warning for Kerr County -- the place the Guadalupe River is positioned and the overwhelming majority of fatalities have been positioned -- at 1:14 a.m. Friday.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha instructed reporters Tuesday that he was first notified in regards to the flooding "across the 4 [a.m.] to five [a.m.] space," when 911 calls got here in.

Automobiles are seen caught in particles close to the Guadalupe River, July 7, 2025 in Hunt, Texas.

Brandon Bell/Getty Photographs

"One in all my sergeants was in dispatch when the primary calls began to come back in," he instructed reporters.

Nonetheless, when he was pressed to offer extra particulars on a timeline, the sheriff stated it could take time to get extra particulars.

"It was between 4 and 5 [a.m.] after I received notified, however previous to that in that 3 to 4 space my understanding is ... " Leitha stated, earlier than he stopped with out finishing his sentence, including officers have been "attempting to get that technique of attempting to place a timeline."

"As I've instructed you many instances, that's not my precedence right now," he added.

Within the days because the lethal flooding, state and native officers have stated they continue to be in a search and rescue operation. A whole bunch of first responders remained alongside the Guadalupe River in Kerr County on Tuesday "working to reunite households," Leitha stated.

As of Tuesday, the loss of life toll had risen to 110, and Gov. Greg Abbott stated not less than 173 folks have been nonetheless lacking throughout the state.

The governor stated the Texas Nationwide Guard is aiding native authorities seek for the lacking, and helicopters and drones are additionally getting used within the search efforts.

When ABC Information requested Leitha if the emergency supervisor, who has not been recognized, was awake on the time or pushed the flash flood alerts out, the sheriff commented, "I can not let you know right now."

Particles lays alongside the Guadalupe River after it was swept up within the flash flooding, July 8, 2025 in Ingram, Texas.

Jim Vondruska/Getty Photographs

Different reporters requested related questions on who was on name and after they have been notified, however the officers declined to reply and shortly switched to a different matter earlier than ending the information convention.

"We'll get solutions. Proper now all of our assets are targeted on restoration," Lt. Col. Ben Baker, deputy director of legislation enforcement for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Division.