As search and rescue efforts continue after deadly flooding in Texas, one big question many are asking is about the exact warning systems in place.
Officials are under fire, facing questions from reporters demanding to know why there was little early warning given before flood waters swept through the community.
In 2016, Kerr County Commissioners considered installing flood sirens, but voted them down. Last month, House Bill 13, which would have funded rural alert systems, failed to pass during the legislative session.
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Texas State Representative Wes Virdell, whose district includes Kerrville, is helping with search efforts. He voted no on House Bill 13 but told reporters that after seeing the devastation of July's floods, he might have voted differently. After reviewing the bill, he says the council that would have overseen the funding lacked transparency. He's now promising to introduce a new version.
Vordell envisions "something in a cabin that is dedicated towards a situation like this that could go off and let the camp counselors or the camp leaders know" in the event of a flood.
"People need to quit blaming people right now. People need to focus on 'how are we going to deal with the situation we have at this very moment?'" Virdell said.
This story was originally published by Suzanne Stevens with the Scripps News Group.
The devastating floods in central Texas have left families and communities in urgent need of support. Scripps News and the Scripps Howard Fund are partnering to provide critical relief to those impacted. Every dollar donated here will go directly to helping victims recover.
