Officials in Kerr County, Texas, delayed sending an emergency alert by approximately 90 minutes after a request was made, according to newly released dispatch audio. The delay occurred during the catastrophic flooding that began on July 4, 2025, which has resulted in at least 120 deaths and left more than 160 people missing. At 4:22 a.m. on the day of the flooding, a firefighter in Ingram, upstream from Kerrville, urged the Kerr County Sheriff's Office to issue a warning to nearby residents. However, officials cited the need for approval before sending the alert, causing a significant delay. Despite having the technology to send a widespread alert that could turn every cellphone in the area into a blaring alarm, Kerr County officials did not activate this system before or during the floodwaters reaching record levels. The alert system was only used more than two days after the flood's peak, raising concerns about the timeliness and effectiveness of the emergency response during the disaster.