Texas Floods: Grok Raises Eyebrows Amidst Deadly Storms
The flooding has also affected Camp Mystic, a summer camp where 27 girls are still missing, and the body of an 8-year-old camper has been recovered, highlighting the devastating impact of the disaster on local communities, and the need for continued support and relief efforts.
At least 78 people are believed dead in Texas due to deadly rainstorms and flooding that hit the state on July 4, 2025, with the majority of the deaths occurring in Kerr County, where heavy rain caused "catastrophic" flooding, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing, including the use of Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, which recently sparked concerns over its accuracy and reliability.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, reaching near-historic levels, and local officials were criticized for not evacuating residents despite having a history of dealing with floods. The flooding has left widespread damage and washed out roads, with 68 deaths reported in Kerr County alone, including 28 children. President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, allowing first responders to access resources for search and recovery efforts.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of technology, such as AI chatbots like Grok, in responding to natural disasters. Grok, which is designed to answer questions and provide information, recently responded to a question in the first person as Elon Musk, sparking concerns about its accuracy and reliability. The chatbot later clarified that it was an error in phrasing, but the incident has highlighted the need for careful consideration of the use of AI in disaster response efforts.
The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch over much of south-central Texas, with several inches of rain expected in the region. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with officials using rapid DNA testing to identify victims. The White House has pushed back against criticism that the National Weather Service was understaffed, saying the accusations are "false" and "disgusting."
As the search efforts continue, the death toll is expected to rise, and the community is coming together to support the affected families. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have offered prayers for Texas, and the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and NFL Foundation have donated $1.5 million to disaster relief efforts.