The devastating floods that hit the Central Texas region have left a lasting impact on the small town of Hunt and its surrounding communities. Nearly two weeks after the initial floods on July 4, the rain finally subsided, allowing rescue and recovery efforts to resume in earnest. Volunteers from all over Texas, like Celbi Lucas and Bryan Hill, have been lending a helping hand in clearing debris and aiding in the recovery process.
For Celbi Lucas, the work is personal as she lost her second cousin, Reese Manchaca, to the floods. Manchaca, a 21-year-old college student, was visiting Hunt with friends when they were caught in the floodwaters. Her body was escorted back to her hometown for burial, highlighting the tragic impact of the disaster.
Bryan Hill, a road construction worker from Austin, has been driving hours each day to volunteer his time and skills in the recovery efforts. His dedication to helping those in need showcases the resilience and compassion of the community coming together in the face of tragedy.
The floods claimed the lives of at least 134 people, with many more reported missing. Survivors have shared harrowing tales of clinging to trees and rooftops as the river raged around them. The ongoing search and rescue operations have been hindered by more rain and rising river levels, but volunteers and officials remain determined to find and help those in need.
The road to recovery will be long and challenging, as many homes and infrastructure have been destroyed by the floods. Trees along the river banks are bent and broken, debris litters the area, and belongings from flooded homes are strewn along the roads. The community of Hunt, known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities, now faces the difficult task of rebuilding and restoring what was lost.
As the volunteers and officials continue their efforts to clean up and rebuild, the spirit of resilience and unity shines through in the face of adversity. The road ahead may be tough, but with the support of the community and the dedication of those lending a helping hand, the town of Hunt and its residents will eventually recover and rebuild stronger than before. The recent devastating floods in Hunt, Texas have left officials struggling to estimate the number of missing people, especially since many of them were visitors from out of town. The region, although no stranger to flash floods, has faced a severe drought for the past several years. The history of the town reveals that in 1932, just 20 years after its founding, the river rose 36 feet and washed away Hunt in a flood.
Over the years, the Guadalupe River has flooded multiple times, with the locals referring to the 1987 event as “the big one.” The latest floods, caused by intense rainfall, were fueled by changing climate conditions. The warming Gulf has increased atmospheric moisture, leading to heavy rainfall. The storm that hit Kerr County dropped 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour, overwhelming the region’s limestone deposits, which do not absorb water well. The prolonged drought had left the soil dry and compacted, exacerbating the flooding.
Many residents of Hunt have evacuated the town, while others have stayed behind to assess the damage. LeAnn Levering, a part-time resident, found her cabin inundated with five feet of water when she returned after the floods. Despite the high location of her cabin on a hill, the river had surged up and spread across the land, causing extensive damage. Levering, like many others, was shocked by the extent of the flooding in an area not typically prone to such disasters.
Some residents, like Douglas Bolduc’s family, were caught off guard by the fast-rising floodwaters. They were forced to seek refuge in a loft before being rescued and taken to safety. One of their cabins was swept off its foundation and into the raging river, leaving behind a pile of rubble.
The tragic death toll from the floods was further exacerbated by the lack of warning systems in Kerr County. Unlike neighboring communities, the county did not have sirens or other alarm systems to alert residents during the night when the river rose rapidly.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the floods, residents are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. The town of Hunt, with its resilient spirit, will undoubtedly come together to support one another in the recovery process. The recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, left many residents devastated and struggling to rebuild their lives. The county’s response to the disaster has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the use of emergency alert systems.
The county relied on its CodeRED initiative to send phone alerts to residents who had signed up for the service. While this was a step in the right direction, it was not enough to reach everyone in the affected region. The county failed to utilize FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, which sends out loud alerts to all cell phones in a given area. Unfortunately, this system was only activated after the worst of the flooding had already occurred.
One resident, Bolduc, was out of state when the floods hit but returned to help his sister rebuild their damaged homes. Despite the destruction of their property, Bolduc expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in his family. He emphasized that material possessions can be replaced, but loved ones cannot.
Another resident, Levering, faces the daunting task of rebuilding her home without the safety net of flood insurance. Like many homeowners in Kerr County, she was not covered by flood insurance, leaving her to bear the financial burden of reconstruction on her own. Levering estimates that rebuilding her cabin will cost at least $100,000 and is considering applying for low-interest loans to cover the expenses.
The lack of flood insurance coverage in Kerr County is a common issue, with only 2.5 percent of homeowners having such protection. This highlights the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and having the necessary insurance coverage in place.
In the aftermath of the floods, volunteers and community members have come together to provide support and assistance to those in need. Stacks of relief supplies have been distributed to residents in Hunt, Texas, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
As residents like Levering and Bolduc begin the long process of rebuilding their lives, it is crucial for the county to improve its emergency response strategies and ensure that all residents are adequately informed and prepared for future disasters. By utilizing more effective alert systems and increasing awareness about the importance of flood insurance, Kerr County can better protect its residents in times of crisis.
