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Texas lawmakers criticized the Upper Guadalupe River Authority's decision to reject a flood warning system following deadly flash floods that killed over 130 people in July. At a joint hearing, officials highlighted systemic failures in emergency response and pledged to pursue legislation for better flood preparedness.
Travis County is relocating its Flood Recovery Resource Center to improve accessibility for residents affected by flooding in the Big Sandy Creek area. The current location at Danielson Middle School has seen declining attendance, prompting the move to more accessible sites. The center will close on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to facilitate the return of the campus to Leander ISD for the school year.
Floodwaters in Central Texas have receded, leaving families to navigate the complexities of insurance and federal assistance. While Burnet, Williamson, and Travis counties qualify for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, Travis County awaits public assistance approval, needing to document higher damage levels. Many survivors face frustration as standard homeowners insurance often excludes flood damage.
Central Texas has emerged from drought conditions, with the Hill Country now entirely drought-free for the first time since November 2021. Recent rainfall has improved groundwater and soil moisture levels across the region, reducing drought impact from 59% to 22% statewide.
Central Texas faces severe flooding, prompting urgent mold prevention efforts as cleanup begins. Experts warn that mold can grow within 48 hours in summer conditions, necessitating immediate action. Teams like Team Rubicon are assisting homeowners in removing damaged materials to mitigate health risks.
Intense rainfall in Central Texas has triggered swift water rescues as the death toll from recent flooding rises to 132. Governor Greg Abbott announced ongoing rescue operations in multiple counties, urging residents to heed evacuation orders due to dangerous water levels. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the region through Monday morning.
Local relief organizations in Central Texas urge volunteers to avoid self-deployment in flood-affected areas, as uncoordinated efforts complicate rescue operations. Traffic from unregistered helpers has hindered emergency teams, prompting officials to recommend signing up with recognized organizations.
Central Texas residents impacted by the July 4 floods continue to await federal disaster assistance, with over 100 fatalities reported in Kerr County. Governor Greg Abbott has requested aid for additional counties, including Burnet, as residents like Kendall Myers express frustration over delays in assistance.
The Long Center will host a benefit concert for Kerr County on Sunday, with proceeds supporting the Kerr County Relief Fund for flood recovery. More than 15 artists, including Aaron Behrens and Sara Hickman, will perform, with doors opening at 4 PM.
Heavy rains last week improved drought conditions in Central Texas, downgrading Travis County from "severe" drought to "abnormally dry." Lakes Travis and Buchanan are now at 76% capacity, significantly up from 50% earlier this month.