Texas passed laws to address historic flooding. We asked a flood expert if they’ll work.

AI generated summary

In response to the devastating floods that occurred in Texas on the Fourth of July, which resulted in over 130 fatalities, Governor Greg Abbott and state lawmakers have enacted a series of flood-related measures aimed at enhancing community resilience and safety. Following the tragedy, a special committee was established to assess the failures that led to the disaster and to propose legislative changes. Among the new laws are provisions for creating emergency plans for youth camps, restricting construction in floodplains, and establishing a grant program for local governments to install weather alert sirens.

Flood expert Upmanu Lall has expressed cautious optimism regarding the legislative changes, likening the situation to a midterm exam where Texas lawmakers have performed well so far. However, he emphasizes the importance of effective implementation of these laws by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Lall warns that while the new laws are a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done in terms of emergency preparedness and infrastructure planning to mitigate future flood risks. As lawmakers continue to address these issues, Lall hopes that the heightened awareness will lead to more comprehensive strategies for disaster management in Texas.