The mayor of a Texas city devastated by flash flooding that claimed over 130 lives earlier this month has urged state lawmakers to implement a warning system within the next year. Speaking to a joint Senate-House committee in Kerrville — northwest of San Antonio — Mayor Joe Herring called for the design and installation of a flood alert system by next summer. We need solutions that protect people and save lives, Herring stated. Well need your support to make this happen.

The deadly flooding was a key topic in a special legislative session convened by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. On July 4, a sudden surge of water swept through the Guadalupe River in the Hill Country, destroying campsites filled with children and holiday visitors. After holding an initial hearing in the state capital, lawmakers traveled to Kerrville to listen directly to Herring, other local officials, and residents affected by the disaster.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha raised doubts about the effectiveness of a warning system, noting the floodwaters rose too rapidly to provide adequate notice. House Speaker Dustin Burrows assured attendees that lawmakers would work on solutions during the current 30-day session, but acknowledged that the effort would extend beyond this round of meetings. This commitment goes beyond just this session — we’ll keep working on it in future ones as well, Burrows said.

With the flood ranking among the deadliest in the U.S. in decades, concerns have grown over the absence of flash flood sirens in heavily impacted areas of Kerr County. Some have also pointed to staffing shortages at National Weather Service offices following cuts during President Trumps administration. Several residents testified before the committee, expressing feelings of abandonment by local and state governments in the aftermath of the flood.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.