NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The search for bodies continued nearly a week after deadly flooding in Texas. With 121 people confirmed dead and at least 161 still missing, officials there are facing scrutiny. The National Weather Service issued several watches and warnings before midnight on July 3, but local officials appeared unaware of the catastrophe until later in the morning. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Neena Satija.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What are officials facing scrutiny about?
- Who is Neena Satija, and what is her background?
- Why did some officials in Kerr County want a a new early flood warning system?
- Where are the floods happening, what is the term coined for this region?
- How could more lives have been saved, according to Dan Patrick?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- What did you notice or wonder about the ways residents of the community responded to the floods?
- Do you think the federal government can do more to prevent damage from natural disasters such as this flood? If so, what?
Media literacy: Why do you think the News Hour brought on a guest journalist from Houston to cover this story?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
- Talk with someone from your community (family, friends, classmates, etc) about how prepared your community is to address a natural disaster.
- Read this article on the toll taken on first responders. Then discuss in groups or as a class — how can the community better support first responders during emergencies?
First responders attend to a vehicle pulled from the water in the aftermath of deadly flooding in Kerrville, Texas, U.S., July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores
Written by Payton Alfieri, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Episcopal High School, and News Hour's Luke Gerwe.
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