The survivors of the recent flash flooding in central Texas have started sharing their harrowing experiences of witnessing their communities being washed away in an instant. Lorena Guillen, the owner of Blue Oak RV Park near the Guadalupe River, recounted how the water rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, sweeping away entire neighborhoods.
Guillen revealed that all 28 RVs on her property were carried away by the floodwaters. The devastation she witnessed was described as surreal, but she also highlighted the incredible support and solidarity shown by the community in the aftermath.
Teenage camp counselors Silvana Garza Valdez and MarĂa Paula Zárate shared how they prepared for evacuation by writing the names of campers on their bodies in case they were swept away. They described the chaotic and emotional scene as they tried to ensure the safety of the campers.
The flood, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people, including 28 children, has left a trail of destruction. Despite concerns about the National Weather Service’s ability to warn residents adequately, meteorologists have defended the timely issuance of flood warnings.
The survivors, like Callie McAlary and Regan Brown, recounted their terrifying experiences of being caught in the floodwaters. Many shared stories of rescue and resilience, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances that unfolded during the natural disaster.
As the affected communities begin to recover and rebuild, the spirit of unity and support shines through amidst the devastation. The impact of the flood is described as catastrophic, with families and individuals grappling with the aftermath of the unprecedented disaster.