The death toll from the catastrophic floods in Texas has climbed to 129, including at least 27 children and counsellors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. The flash floods, which swept through large parts of central Texas, are being described as one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. In depth: What we know so farView image in fullscreen A memorial to some of the victims of the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesThe devastating floods began in the early hours of 4 July, Independence Day in the US. The week before the floods, Texas senator Ted Cruz, ensured that the “big, beautiful bill”, a Republican spending bill pushed through and signed by Trump on Independence Day, would include particular cuts.