What began as heavy rain in the early hours of July 4 has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Texas history. Catastrophic flash flooding in Kerr County and surrounding areas has already claimed the lives of at least 121 people, with over 160 still missing, including campers, residents, and families. As rescue teams continue to search through debris-strewn neighborhoods and swollen rivers, harrowing stories of survival are emerging—and serious questions are being asked about the response.
“It was just too late.”
In newly released dispatch audio obtained by CNN, emergency responders can be heard pleading for quicker alerts. At 4:22 a.m., a local firefighter asked dispatchers:
“Is there any way we can send a CodeRED out to our Hunt residents asking them to find higher ground or stay home?” The response: “Stand by, we have to get that approved with our supervisor.”
It would be nearly six hours before many residents received any formal notification—far too late for those already trapped by floodwaters.
John David Trolinger, the former IT director for Kerr County and the man who helped install the CodeRED system, recorded emergency scanner audio that night.
“A quick action could have helped people down the river,” Trolinger told CNN. “But as the clock approached 4:30 a.m., it was just too late.” He added bluntly: “The CodeRED would have been ineffective in my opinion.”
On the Roof, Holding Hope
One of the most chilling survival stories came from Nancy Clement, a photographer at Camp Mystic.
“Then we were like, OK, we need to get out of here,” Clement told CNN’s Anderson Cooper, recalling how the cabin door “snapped in half” as water rushed in.
She and other staff members clung to porch columns as the water rose to their shoulders. Clement climbed onto the roof, gripping her wallet, phone, and a soaked stuffed animal she’s had since she was two. She helped hoist others up, including a fellow staffer who was swept away and caught on a volleyball net before making it back.
“It was like a sense of hope,” Clement said, remembering the moment they heard campers singing nearby. “Even though at that point, the water was still up really high.”
Federal Aid and a Presidential Visit
President Donald Trump is expected to visit Central Texas tomorrow as scrutiny mounts over the federal and local response. Gov. Greg Abbott has requested federal disaster assistance for additional counties, including Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson.
“Five counties… are requested to be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance programs,” said the governor’s office in a statement.
The governor has also called a special legislative session to address flood warning systems, emergency communications, and relief funding—a response to the growing anger over delayed alerts and insufficient evacuation orders.
Searching Among the Debris
Veterans, volunteers, and local drone operators are among those combing the landscape for survivors. Jordy Marks, owner of LA Drone Services, joined the search using thermal imaging and high-resolution drone footage.
“The current was so strong,” he said. “I think it took people and put them underneath the debris.”
As the water slowly recedes, the trauma of this storm will remain for years—and so will the calls for accountability.
