Sadly, severe flooding is underway in several Texas counties this evening as heavy rains fell over the San Saba River watershed. The Menard County Judge was lauded for his response to the July 4th event, both before and during the flooding that imperiled homes along waterways. He and first responders are busy again tonight.
Unfortunately, not all county judges, sheriffs and emergency management coordinators rose to the occasion on July 4th. Kerr County had no emergency leadership during the worst of the flash flooding. Phone calls were not answered. A Disaster Command Post was not set up.
Several Kerr County Commissioners were heroes in responding to the flooding in their communities but the County as a whole failed to mobilize a response per their adopted disaster plans.
The public awaits Kerr County's promised after action report (disaster evaluation). The County Sheriff spoke of this need just days after the event as did a Kerr County Commissioner in an August Commissioner's Court meeting.
Can the U.S. House and the State of Texas hold accountable the people who failed to do their job that day? That could send a message to officials who prioritize their needs over that of the community when disaster strikes.
Update 11-26-25: Four lawsuits have been filed against Camp Mystic for the deaths of young campers and counselors.
Update 12-6-25: The 911 calls to Kerrville Emergency Dispatch were made public. The calls reveal increasing desperation and peril. The calls from the 911 center to Emergency Management Officials are yet to be released.
Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas had been on medical leave after heart surgery but returned to work on November 10th. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly is looking to hire help for Thomas. The top three Kerr County officials continue to cover for each other and they are yet to produce/share an after action report.
Update 12-7-25: Concho Valley Homepage ran the 911 call story.
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