United States
Texas and California are grappling with unprecedented natural disasters, triggering criticism over former President Donald Trump’s deep cuts to federal climate and disaster preparedness agencies.
In Texas, at least 32 people — including 14 children — have died after flash floods struck the central part of the state early Friday morning. According to the Kerr County Sheriff, “Five adults and three children remain unidentified,” while more than 25 girls attending a summer camp are still missing.
Videos shared online show homes swept away by torrential waters. Local and federal authorities warned residents to avoid traveling as dozens of roads remain blocked near the Guadalupe River.
Governor Greg Abbott posted dramatic footage of a rescue operation showing a helicopter hoisting someone from a tree surrounded by floodwaters. Over 500 rescuers and 14 helicopters were deployed with support from the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Although the rain temporarily stopped, meteorologists warned of another storm front expected to hit areas around San Antonio and Austin soon.
In California, over 300 firefighters are battling the state’s largest wildfire this year — the “Madre Fire” — which broke out in rural San Luis Obispo County. In just 24 hours, the blaze scorched more than 213 square kilometers, prompting evacuation orders for around 200 people.
Authorities fear a dangerous summer ahead. Following an unusually dry winter and spring, vegetation across Southern California has become tinder-dry, according to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA.
Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of failing to fund crucial wildfire prevention efforts such as controlled burns and tree removal. “Fifty-seven percent of this state’s land is under federal jurisdiction,” he noted in a statement.
Experts say Trump’s cuts to key agencies — including FEMA, NOAA, and the U.S. Forest Service — have weakened the nation’s ability to mitigate and respond to escalating climate disasters.
