Why Texas officials blame Trump’s NWS for tragic flash floods as death toll rises to 82
Deadly flash floods in central Texas have killed at least 82 people, with 41 still missing, including children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. Officials report 68 deaths occurred in Kerr County, with 28 being children. The camp expressed heartbreak over the tragedy but couldn’t explain why evacuations weren’t ordered before the storm.
Some officials blame communication failures on Trump-era budget cuts that left key National Weather Service (NWS) positions unfilled. The San Angelo and San Antonio NWS offices reportedly lacked critical staff, including hydrologists and meteorologists, potentially delaying severe weather warnings.
A senior meteorologist in San Antonio reportedly retired early due to administration cost-cutting measures. However, some vacancies predate Trump’s presidency. Despite staffing shortages, former NWS officials insist forecasts were as accurate as possible given the storm’s sudden intensity.
Trump declared Kerr County a major disaster area and plans to visit this Friday, acknowledging the tragedy while stating he didn’t want to disrupt recovery efforts. Federal emergency resources have been mobilized to assist Texas.
The NWS expressed grief over the lives lost but reaffirmed its commitment to public safety through forecasting. Governor Greg Abbott pledged ongoing search efforts as floodwaters recede.
Critics argue understaffed agencies hindered emergency coordination, while defenders stress the unpredictability of the historic rainfall. The White House and NWS have not yet responded to requests for comment.
As recovery continues, questions remain about preparedness and whether adequate warnings could have prevented the high death toll, particularly at vulnerable locations like summer camps. Authorities vow to keep searching for the missing.
