Kerrville, Texas, July 29, 2025
News Summary
In Kerrville, local officials were taken by surprise by the devastating floods that swept through the area on July 4, resulting in at least 137 deaths statewide. Text messages and emails reveal concerns among leaders, including remarks made by the city manager. Criticism is mounting regarding the response time of emergency services and the failures in preparation and coordination. As investigations continue and a special legislative session convenes, the community seeks accountability and improved safety measures to prevent future disasters.
Kerrville City Officials Shocked by July 4 Flooding Aftermath
Kerrville leaders were caught off guard by the deadly floods that struck on July 4, as revealed by newly released text messages and emails among city officials. The catastrophic flooding has led to at least 137 deaths across Texas, with a staggering 108 of those fatalities occurring in Kerr County alone.
In the wake of the disaster, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice made inappropriate remarks, referring to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as “basically homeland Barbie” in a text following a press conference about flood response efforts. The city’s mayor, Joe Herring Jr., expressed concern over a local event at Louise Hays Park—an area damaged by the floods—in communications with Rice. On the morning of July 4, amidst water rescues, Herring inquired about the location of the emergency operations center.
Councilwoman Brenda Hughes reacted to the reports of water rescues with frustration, while another council member, Delayne Sigerman, suggested that someone should “pray for a ceasefire in Israel,” indicating a distraction from local emergencies. Herring also reached out to Rice at 10:43 a.m. on July 4, seeking information regarding Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors lost their lives.
Reports indicate that Kerrville’s fire department only notified off-duty personnel to report for emergency duty at 8:55 a.m. on July 4, hours after the flooding crisis had begun. In further text exchanges, Rice expressed his exasperation towards unnamed individuals, using derogatory language to describe their actions. A comical exchange during a press conference followed when an employee asked Rice about the possibility of meeting Secretary Noem, to which Rice humorously referenced her nickname.
Following the disaster, city managers from various Texas areas reached out to offer assistance, highlighting a collaborative response to the grim circumstances. However, criticism has mounted against federal and local authorities for their inadequate preparedness and coordination during this emergency. Notably, the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator, W.B. “Dub” Thomas, reportedly failed to respond to emergency alerts during critical hours of the flooding, allegedly being asleep at home while disaster unfolded.
The National Weather Service had issued multiple alerts and warnings prior to the floods, indicating a significant risk to Kerr County residents. Community concerns have emerged regarding the lack of local sirens along the Guadalupe River, which might have provided crucial warnings about the imminent danger posed by rising waters. Furthermore, the tragic events have raised alarms about the safety measures in place for youth camps located near the river.
In response to the disaster’s aftermath, a special legislative session is currently underway in Texas to address flood warning systems, improve emergency communications, and coordinate relief efforts for the victims’ families. While community rescue teams continue to search for survivors and recover the deceased, the critical situation has prompted a broader dialogue about accountability among local leadership concerning emergency response failures.
As the investigation into the coordination failures unfolds, local sentiment reflects a desire for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. The recent events in Kerrville have exposed glaring deficiencies in emergency preparedness that must be rectified to safeguard the community moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the July 4 flooding in Kerrville?
The flooding was caused by severe weather conditions, which lead to heavy rainfall and subsequent flash floods across Kerr County.
How many fatalities were reported due to the floods?
At least 137 individuals died statewide as a result of the flooding, with 108 fatalities reported specifically in Kerr County.
What has been done to address the flooding in Kerrville?
A special legislative session is underway to improve flood warning systems and emergency communication protocols. Community rescue efforts continue as authorities work to recover and assist victims.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kerrville, Texas |
| Date of Flooding | July 4, 2023 |
| Fatalities | 137 statewide, 108 in Kerr County |
| City Manager Controversy | Dalton Rice’s inappropriate comments revealed |
| Emergency Responses | Criticism of delayed notifications and coordination failures |
| Government Actions | Legislative session for improved flood response |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Food Bank Enhances Support After Texas Floods
San Antonio Residents Demand Better Flood Response After Tragedy
Kerrville City Council Considers Property Tax Increase Amid Flood Recovery
Texas Hill Country Community Fundraises $60 Million for Flood Relief
Severe Flooding in Texas Hill Country Leaves 24 Dead
H-E-B Donates $200,000 for Flood Recovery in Texas Hill Country
Texas Legislature Faces Tension Over Flood Relief and Redistricting Priorities
Significant Progress in Kerr County Flood Recovery Efforts
San Antonio Food Bank Aids Kerr County Flood Recovery
Tragic Loss of Young Girl in Kerr County Floods
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Kerrville, Texas
- Fox News
- Google Search: Kerrville Flood July 2023
- New York Post
- Google Scholar: Texas Flash Flooding
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Floods
- AP News
- Google News: Texas Floods July 2023
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