Texas Floods: Separating Fact from Fiction

A Tragic Fourth of July Weekend

In the summer of 2025, Texas faced a devastating flood during the Fourth of July weekend. The Hill Country area saw over 100 lives lost and many more unaccounted for. This event was the worst inland flooding in the U.S. since 1976, when Colorado's Big Thompson Canyon flood took 144 lives.

Stories and Rumors

People shared many stories and claims about this disaster. Some were touching tales of rescues, while others were rumors.

Cloud Seeding: Fact or Fiction?

One rumor suggested that a technique called cloud seeding caused the floods. This technique involves trying to make rain fall from clouds. However, experts say there's no proof that cloud seeding was used or that it could cause such extreme flooding.

National Weather Service Cuts: Did They Make a Difference?

Another claim was that cuts to the National Weather Service under President Donald Trump made the flood response worse. Fact-checkers looked into this and found no solid evidence to support it. The National Weather Service has many employees and resources. It's not clear if fewer staff would have made a big difference.

Houston Doctor's Job: A False Claim

There was also talk about a Houston doctor losing her job over comments on Facebook about the floods. Investigators found no proof of this happening. It's important to be careful with what we share online, especially during crises.

Mexico's Rescue Teams: A True Story

Interestingly, some people believed that Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum sent rescue teams to Texas. This turned out to be true. Mexico did offer help, showing international support during the crisis.

The Importance of Verification

It's easy to get caught up in rumors during such events. But it's crucial to verify information before sharing it. This helps prevent the spread of misinformation and keeps people focused on real help and recovery.