Kerr County Commissioner Speaks "After Action Report"

One Kerr County Commissioner called for an "after action report" seven weeks after the July 4th flash flood disaster that killed 138 people.

"The question is what's coming next and how do we prepare for it.  After action report is a big part of that and it's being dictated by the state by also being introduced by me previously and also Commissioner Paces has offered to help out that.  It's going to be something we need to do however dramatic it is and uncovering certain things.  We need to look at ourselves hard in the face."- Kerr County Commissioner Jeff Holt

This came after public comment that praised two commissioners, Jeff Holt and Robert Paces, for their response the early morning of July 4th, doing so in the hours before local Emergency Management officials got organized and the State of Texas took over.  Commissioner Paces noted during the meeting:

"There are some other lessons learned in terms of who is watching, who is looking at the data and how that information gets relayed."

A basic in disaster response is a timely evaluation of the effort.  Elected officials aren't noted for their competence or thoroughness in this area.  The White House Lessons Learned report on Hurricane Katrina was a disaster in itself.  The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is tomorrow, August 29.

"Unprecedented disasters" that occur every few decades no longer cuts the mustard.  The whole point of institutions is memory.  Kerr County Emergency Management officials warned about flooding in August 2024.

Let's hope the Kerr County Commissioner's Court shows more knowledge and courage in evaluating how their local disaster plans were executed.  Their constituents deserve a thorough and comprehensive assessment with clear recommendations to address problems.    

Update 9-25-25:  FEMA's interim chief was also missing in action for the Kerr County flash floods.  Staff could not reach him by phone.  That means there were communication failures at both the local and federal level that directly impacted the response, warning, rescue and recovery/cleanup.

Update 10-15-25:  The Texas Legislature will establish two more committees to look at the deadly flash flood event of July 4.