Republicans own failures in the lack of Texas flood siren warnings to save live in "flash flood alley"- Donald Trump cut NOAA funds

Kerr County asked Texas to help pay for a flood warning system for 8 years. Can it happen now❓ Houston Chronicle echo article by Neena Satija and Kerl Blatinger

Kerr County Guadalupe River flooding July 4, 2025 

Where were the sirens❓ Texas needs more flood warning systems now. Blast warnings by siren, cannon or flare.

Opinion letter published in the Houston Chronicle:

Regarding “Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding,” (July 6): The immense scale of the flooding disaster along Guadalupe River in Kerr County, which has claimed upwards of 100+ lives — including those of 27 young campers and counselors, serves as a stark reminder that populated areas subject to sudden natural and human-caused disasters, should be provided with well-placed siren systems. The installation of sirens was discussed by Kerr County officials 9 years ago but were not approved for funding. Residents are currently attempting, via an online petition, to have that system installed, to mitigate the casualties of the next flood. This is an old technology that it is in place — or should be, in vulnerable communities — especially coastal areas exposed to storm surge or tsunami, towns or cities surrounded by forest, residential areas in floodplains and below dams, and environments that are subject to tornadoes. As disaster specialists know, water kills more people than any other single factor.

In a crisis — especially affecting young campers, it cannot be assumed that everyone has a functioning cell phone. During a large-scale disaster, cell towers may be down, as well as communications and electrical generation utilities.

Guadalupe River flooding debris everything is destroyed

The best early warning systems are redundant, utilizing the media, drones, the internet, first-responders, signage and evacuation plans and rehearsals. In fact, there are ancient, low-tech methods of alerting people — including aerial flares and repurposed artillery, that function without a power source. Cannons were used, for example, below dams and by lighthouse keepers in past centuries. Special consideration must be given to sight-impaired, deaf or physically disabled residents, institutions or camps.

As the Trump administration is steadily reducing funding for NOAA, FEMA, the National Weather Service and other agencies, it is incumbent upon local and state authorities to take the initiative. When considering public safety, the questions are always: “In the event of a foreseeable, worst case scenario, what steps must be taken?” and “what are we missing?”

Climate warming is only going to magnify the danger for affected areas, meaning that zoning, forecasting and prevention must be prioritized — with or without, the federal government.

Each and every death in Kerr County is a singular event that will affect loved ones forever; but this story is not confined to Texas hill country; it is the story of rural and urban communities in Hawaii, California, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado and Louisiana. It is the story of unimaginable losses that might have been mitigated or avoided.

From Eric Radack, in Santa Fe, New Mexico