Central Texas is continuing to deal with the devastating fallout of massive flash floods as deaths continue to mount, and at least 173 people remain missing.

Rescue workers in protective gear gather near a blue inflatable boat beside a flooded area, preparing for an emergency response operation

Jim Vondruska / Getty Images

Since Friday, the media and citizens across the country have demanded answers as to why there was not a county-wide siren system in place to warn Texans of the flood, which could have potentially saved lives.

Texas flag waves in front of damaged houses and fallen trees after a severe storm

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According to AP News, Kerr County’s top elected official said that the county had considered implementing a tornado-like siren for floods years ago. Still, the idea never came to fruition due to costs. “We’ve looked into it before…The public reeled at the cost,” Judge Rob Kelly said.

People in protective gear survey and clear debris from a disaster-hit area, surrounded by fallen trees and scattered materials

Jim Vondruska / Getty Images

On Fox News, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick also admitted that flood warnings were issued via text for those who “signed up,” forcing some residents to warn each other. “There were alert warnings that went out, we believe, by the locals. But if you were a resident and you signed up for it, you got it. But, if you happen to be a stranger who just came in for the Fourth of July weekend, you might not have had that [warning].”

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick discusses Texas flood damage; aerial view shows widespread impact in Kerr County

FOX News / Via x.com

Well, Texas Governor Greg Abbott was confronted directly by a reporter who asked him who was to blame for the tragedy, and his comments are going viral:

CNN / Twitter: @Acyn

“You ask, I’m going to use your words: ‘Who’s to blame?’ Know this. That’s the word choice of losers.”

Texas Governor, at a podium, speaks about flooding; text states 109 dead, at least 161 missing

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“Let me explain one thing about Texas. And that is, Texas, every square inch of our state cares about football. You can be in Hunt, Texas, Huntsville, Texas, Houston, Texas, any size community, they care about football. High school Friday night lights, college football, or pro.”

A man speaks at a podium during a news conference, surrounded by officials. The screen shows a CNN headline: "Number of missing dramatically rises to 161."

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“Every football team makes mistakes. The losing teams are the ones who try to point out who is to blame. The championship teams are the ones who say, ‘Don’t worry about it, man, we got this.’ We’re going to make sure that we go score again and we’re gonna win this game. The way winners talk is not to point fingers. They talk about solutions.”

Governor Abbott speaking at a press conference with officials behind him. A headline reads, "Gov. Abbott reports number of missing dramatically rises to 161."

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In response to the clip, people have been ripping into Abbott for his “callousness” during a tragedy.

Tweet by Joel Montfort sharing a CNN clip of a governor discussing responsibility during a disaster. Comments criticize the governor's dismissive attitude

CNN / @jmontforttx / Via x.com

“You don’t get to play the ‘everyone makes mistakes’ card when this was avoidable,” another person wrote.

Tweet criticizing Texas governor for avoidable flooding mistakes; CNN reports 109 dead, 161 missing in flooding

CNN / @jesswoodbury9 / Via x.com

“Nothing says strong leadership like using a football analogy to downplay the death of dozens of children,” this person wrote.

A news screenshot shows a TV chyron: "Texas Gov: 109 dead, at least 161 missing in flooding," below a tweet criticizing a politician's leadership

CNN / @NicholasMatysik / Via x.com

This person pointed out the Texas government’s unwillingness to use budget money on a siren alert system.

Tweet by Fred Wellman criticizing Texas leaders after severe flooding, referencing budget decisions. A CNN news lower third states 109 dead, 161 missing in Texas flooding

@FPWellman / Via x.com

“Calling people losers for wanting answers and making a fucking football analogy when 100+ people are dead and 160+ are missing is insane. Fuck him and his wannabe tr*mp ass,” this person wrote.

News article criticizing a public figure for responses to a major flooding incident with many dead and missing, focusing on accountability

CNN / @lifebysierra / Via x.com

This user called Abbott’s analogy “tone-deaf.”

Tweet by Denison Barb critiques insensitivity of using football analogies amidst a tragedy where hundreds have died

@DenisonBarbs / Via x.com

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.