The state leaves building zoning and permits up to the individual counties. And in most non-city counties, such as Kerr, which had 96 deaths as of Thursday due to floods, some officials tend to be lenient towards building owners with restrictions, some state leaders and environmental experts told ABC News.

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

New data reveals FEMA missed major flood risks at Camp Mystic, where over two dozen died in the Texas flood. And, U.S. measles cases hit the highest level in over three decades.

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.

The stunning flood that killed more than two dozen campers and counselors along a river at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country was the result of extraordinary rain and walls of water. Nonetheless, experts agree that information about how a camp plans for emergencies is just as important as the lunch menu and the times to go swimming.

As a climate scientist who calls Texas home, I can tell you that the Hill Country of Texas is no stranger to flooding. Meteorologists often refer to it as “Flash Flood Alley” because of its steep terrain, shallow soils, and its history of sudden and intense rainfall.

Flash floods last week in Texas caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically, reaching three stories high in just two hours

A report released by the Texas Department of State Health Services shows that just two days before the deadly floods swept through, the camp inspectors signed off on Camp Mystic's emergency plan. Meanwhile,