Texas: Officials in Texas are under scrutiny following a devastating flash flood along the Guadalupe River during the July 4 weekend that killed over 100 people, including 27 girls and counsellors at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp.

More than 160 individuals are still unaccounted for.

A detailed 48-hour timeline compiled by the Associated Press indicates that while multiple weather alerts were issued, crucial decisions about evacuations were delayed, and local authorities may have underestimated the danger.

Timeline Highlights:

July 2: Texas activated state emergency resources for possible flooding in Central and West Texas. That same day, officials approved Camp Mystic’s emergency disaster plan.

July 3–4: The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple alerts, including a flood watch at 1:18 p.m. and a life-threatening flash flood warning at 1:14 a.m. on July 4 for Kerr County.

3:00–5:00 am (July 4): Waters inundated Camp Mystic as children scrambled to higher ground, some escaping through cabin windows. A staffer reported being stranded on a roof as water levels rose rapidly.

4:03 am: The NWS issued a flash flood emergency for south-central Kerr County, calling it a “particularly dangerous situation.”

5:30 am: Residents reported no official emergency alerts before water reached their homes. Some clung to trees or rooftops while awaiting rescue.

11:30 am: At a press conference, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly admitted the region had “no warning system” and said officials had “no reason” to expect such a severe flood.

Throughout the day: Multiple deaths were confirmed. By evening, Texas Game Wardens began evacuating campers. Governor Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration.

Public and parental response:

Parents of campers reported receiving updates only later in the day, with many still uncertain of their children's whereabouts by late morning. The camp said families with missing children were contacted directly.

Residents and social media users began posting urgent pleas for help as water levels rose. Some accused local authorities of failing to initiate timely evacuations despite early alerts and visible flood risk.

Key concerns raised:

  • Lack of emergency alerts to residents' phones
  • Delayed evacuation at a vulnerable children's camp
  • Official admission that no county-wide warning system exists
  • Potential underestimation of NWS flood projections

As search and recovery continue, the tragedy has reignited debate over Texas’ disaster preparedness, local accountability, and the risks of summer camps operating in flood-prone areas without active evacuation protocols.
(With AP inputs)