Kerr County had discussed buying such things as water gauges and sirens after previous flood disasters. But as with many rural Texas counties, cost was an issue.

At least 120 people have been killed and 173 are still missing as Texas officials deflect questions over the state’s response to the catastrophic flash floods. Kerr County remains at the center of the disaster after the Guadalupe River burst its banks on Friday.

At least 27 campers and counselors were killed at Camp Mystic during the devastating Texas floods. Some are still missing.

When too much rain falls for the ground to absorb, it runs downhill, pulled by gravity into streams, creeks and rivers.