Following the disaster, which claimed the lives of 27 campers at a riverfront youth camp, citizens criticized an apparent lack of prior notice.

Gov. Greg Abbott is facing fierce criticism after dismissing questions about state and local officials' response to the deadly Texas Hill Country flooding, calling efforts to assign blame "the word choice of losers" and likening the ongoing disaster to a football game.

The Texas flood smashed through buildings, carried away cars and ripped sturdy trees out by the roots, dropping the debris in twisted piles when the water finally ebbed.