Kristi Noem has taken heat for reports that penny-pinching measures inhibited the federal response to the deadly flooding.

With hundreds confirmed dead or still missing, questions remain about the local response to flood warnings. Meanwhile, lawmakers will weigh measures to mitigate future disasters.

In Kerr County, where the most deaths occurred, officials said they were receiving threats, even as they continued to deflect questions about flood warnings.

Texas lawmakers will start working on their response to the state’s deadly flooding when they meet later this month in a special session. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) this week ordered the Legislature to consider a series of topics related to the storm, starting with improving and strengthening early warning systems and emergency communications.

The Senate panel consists of seven Republicans and two Democrats. It first meets in Austin next week, then in Kerrville on July 31.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lashed out at CNN after it reported she delayed signing off on vital federal aid for areas of Texas devastated by flash flooding. Speaking to Fox News’ Fox & Friends,

Governor Abbott updates on Texas flood response with over 2,200 personnel deployed and various assistance measures in place.

Understanding the combination of meteorological, geomorphological and hydrological factors that led to the Texas flood could help prevent future disasters.