The loss of life is unimaginable. While we are still grappling with what happened, it’s important to understand the historic nature of this flood. It likely already ranks as the third-deadliest flood in Texas history.

Kerr County, Texas, lacked a “last mile” warning mechanism that could have saved residents before the deadly floods devastated the area, including a children’s summer camp, killing more than 80 people.

Local officials in one of the hardest-hit counties have still revealed little about what, if any, actions they took to safeguard residents, tourists, and visitors in an area known as “flash flood alley.