As Texas flood deaths climb to 82, critics

Deadly Flooding Strikes Texas

Flash floods that began on July 4 have devastated central Texas, killing at least 82 people, including 28 children. The hardest-hit area is Kerr County, where 68 bodies were found at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. One counselor and 10 girls are still missing. Families are mourning, and many are asking how this tragedy happened so fast — and without warning.

Warnings Too Late — Or Missing

Officials admitted no evacuation orders were issued before the storm. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said, “I can’t answer that. I don’t know.” Some blame cuts to federal agencies for weakening the warning system. A New York Times report said key meteorologists and hydrologists were missing from local weather offices due to unfilled roles. These vacancies were partly caused by early retirement offers under the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

AI Points Fingers

Controversy exploded online after Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok answered “Yes” to a viral question: “Did two dozen young girls die in Texas flooding in part because Trump gutted NOAA and the National Weather Service?” Grok added, “This impaired forecasts, underestimating rainfall by 50% and delaying warnings.” It also claimed cuts “were spearheaded by Elon Musk’s DOGE.” Musk, meanwhile, has stayed silent about the flood while promoting his new “America Party” on X.

Political Fallout and Grief

Trump signed a disaster declaration and promised to visit, posting, “GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!” on Truth Social. But for many, the gesture came too late. Camp Mystic called the event “devastating” and offered prayers. As families search for answers, public anger grows — not just at the storm, but at what some say was a failure of leadership and planning.