This story highlights the human toll of natural disasters and the urgent need for policy changes to better protect communities. With climate extremes becoming more frequent, how governments respond—or fail to—directly impacts lives, making this a critical issue for both Texas and beyond.

The Texas Legislature is in a special session and discussing proposals to improve disaster preparedness after floods killed more than 130 people early this month.

Texas lawmakers held a heartfelt hearing where flood survivors and local officials shared their experiences and urged action on disaster preparedness. The special legislative session was called in response to recent floods that claimed over 130 lives, with discussions focusing on how to prevent such tragedies in the future.