Grieving parents of the 27 campers who perished during the tragic July 4 floods in Texas are calling for changes in flood safety legislation as they presented their testimonies to state lawmakers.
Following the flash floods in central Texas that claimed over 130 lives, Kerr County officials listened to heartfelt accounts from the families, who aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“When we learn more, we should do more, and we must improve for our community and those who are suffering,” expressed Alicia Jeffrey Baker on Friday. “We must give people a fighting chance.”
Baker is the mother of 11-year-old Emmy, who died along with her grandparents in the floods.
Democratic Texas state Rep. Ann Johnson shared her biggest takeaways from hearing families’ testimony with .
“These families have made it unmistakably clear that they are enduring an unimaginable nightmare they don’t wish upon anyone else. They are determined that this moment leads to action,” Johnson stated.
This week, she noted, her colleagues have been working to “ensure a commitment to implementing infrastructure for proper warning systems.” Additionally, there is a pressing need for “enhanced safety guidelines, rigorous inspections, and effective evacuation plans” for youth camps like Camp Mystic.
The Texas House passed six flood-related bills during its special session.
Questions have arisen regarding the absence of warning sirens, the lack of weather radios, the unavailability of phones with counselors for receiving alerts, and the proximity of cabins to the river.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $40 million flooding relief.
