The aftermath of catastrophic flooding in central Texas has prompted an urgent response from local and federal officials, as President Donald Trump plans to visit the affected area today. The floods, which have led to the deaths of at least 96 individuals, have left more than 160 people missing. Communities are now grappling with the devastation and beginning the process of recovery.
In the wake of the flooding, Mercy Chefs, a national nonprofit organization founded by Gary LeBlanc, has mobilized to provide hot meals to victims and volunteers. LeBlanc, who has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, expressed his disappointment with the quality of food typically served during disasters. Within 36 hours of the flooding, he deployed his team to ensure first responders and affected individuals received nourishing meals. “The first meals we fed were to search and rescue teams that hadn’t had a hot meal since they started,” LeBlanc stated in an interview. His organization plans to remain in Texas as long as their assistance is needed.
As communities along the Guadalupe River mourn their losses, they are also taking steps to rebuild. In Kerr County, the impact of the floods has been profound. Residents like RickyRay Robertson have witnessed the recovery efforts firsthand, reporting that multiple bodies have been found along the riverbanks. “There was five as of yesterday, over there and one on this side,” Robertson recounted, highlighting the ongoing search efforts.
Local residents are also stepping up to help. Charles Hanson, a 91-year-old resident, has taken to clearing debris from the riverbank every morning. “On behalf of the people who can’t be here or shouldn’t be here right now, I’m here,” he said, demonstrating the resilience of the community.
The flooding has raised questions about the effectiveness of local emergency management systems. In a hazard mitigation report submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last October, Kerr County officials warned that a flood event was likely within the year. The report suggested the need for a flood warning system to alert residents to rising waters, estimating a cost of less than $1 million for implementation. Despite these warnings, efforts to establish a robust system have faced obstacles, including budget constraints.
In light of the recent flooding, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for a special session of the Texas Legislature, scheduled to begin on July 21, 2023. The agenda will focus on flood response measures, including discussions on improving flood warning systems and securing relief funding for affected individuals. Abbott has also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to request that additional counties be included in Trump’s major disaster declaration, expanding eligibility for FEMA assistance.
As the community rallies together to support one another, an online petition advocating for the installation of emergency warning sirens in Kerr County has garnered nearly 40,000 signatures. State Senator Paul Bettencourt plans to introduce legislation to facilitate the installation of these sirens, reflecting a growing concern for public safety during future flood events.
In a poignant effort to honor those lost in the floods, artist Roberto Marquez has begun creating memorial crosses to represent each life lost. He hopes that families will visit the site to pay their respects, providing a space for healing amid the tragedy.
As the search for the missing continues and the community begins to rebuild, the focus remains on ensuring that such a disaster does not happen again. The commitment to improve flood management and emergency response systems is crucial for the safety and security of the residents of central Texas.
