Even in areas that are mapped, like the Camp Mystic site in Kerr County, Texas, that was hit by a deadly flash flood on July 4, 2025, the maps may underestimate their risk because of a reliance on historic data and outdated risk assessments.

The Department of Homeland Security secretary defended the federal government's response and denied that policy changes slowed the agency's deployment.

More than a week after massive flooding killed at least 132 people in central Texas, acting administrator David Richardson emerged in Kerr County, Texas.

There are questions over why oversight was eased at Mystic Camp as it expanded in a hazardous floodplain, the AP reported.

The first State Flood Plan, published last year, identified $54 billion in flood mitigation, warning and data needs. The state has awarded around $660 million since the plan was published, with a special legislative session coming.

A large percentage of people still unaccounted for were probably visiting the area, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said.

The H2i Lab recreated a map of the Kerr County floods, showing how high the water levels got at certain times during the morning of July Fourth.

Many states, including Texas, have not used billions of dollars from FEMA intended to reduce damage from flooding and other disasters