By Rebekah Riess, Shimon Prokupecz, Rachel Clarke, Alaa Elassar, CNN

(CNN) — All key leading officials from the Texas county hardest hit by the July 4 flash flooding that killed at least 136 people were absent from an emergency briefing call held before the tragedy unfolded, questioning from state lawmakers on Thursday revealed.

Kerr County officials were sharply confronted during the committee hearing in Kerrville, Texas, about their disaster preparedness and response following the deadly storm that swept away homes, children’s camps, and RVs primarily in their county, killing 37 children and 71 adults. Two people are still missing.

The officials faced strong criticism as lawmakers pressed for accountability in the aftermath of the catastrophe, intensifying their scrutiny since last

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