Texas officials are facing increasing pressure over their handling of the July 4 flash floods that have led to at least 119 deaths in Kerr County. Many are questioning whether more could have been done to caution residents before the disaster unfolded.

While addressing a press briefing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha defended the emergency response but refused to respond directly on how quickly authorities reacted to “Code Red” flood alerts. “We will answer those questions. We are running, we are not going to hide,” Leitha stated to reporters.

Flash flood at Ruidoso, New Mexico

Meanwhile, flash floods caused by intense rainfall hit the mountain resort village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday, claiming the lives of three people, including two children. Dozens are trapped in homes and vehicles, as stated by officials.

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As per the state emergency authorities, the floodwaters swept away a man and two children, aged four and seven, who were later found dead downstream. Rescue teams have been deployed across the area.

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As per Texas Governor Greg Abbott, more than 170 people are still missing. No survivors have been recovered since the early floods damaged the region. Dropping over a foot of rain in under an hour and pushing the Guadalupe River near feet high.

Affected families’ questions about delayed warnings

The disaster has hit Kerrville hard. Among the 95 confirmed dead in the area, in which at least 36 were children, including 27 campers and counsellors from Camp Mystics, a Christian’s girls’ camp alongside the river.

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In the nearby town of Hunt, Jose Olvera’ family built a shrine near their home where he and his wife were swept away from the rising water. Olvera’s body was found under a tree near a stream, his wife continues to be missing. “This could have been avoided,” stated their son Macdonio, blaming the lack of timely warnings. “There are ways to detect things, appropriate alerts to let the community know what is happening,” as quoted by Reuters.

Rainfall far exceeded the forecast

While the state announced general flood warnings ahead of time, Kerrville officials stated that the rain far surpassed the forecasts, thus reducing their capacity to act. Plans for an early-warning system were laid aside because of a lack of funds.

Governor Abbott declined to blame-shifting during a Tuesday briefing, “The losing teams are the ones that try to point out who’s to blame…We’re going to win this game.” He further added that a special legislative session will be called to analyse emergency protocols and fund relief efforts.