In early July 2025, devastating flash floods swept through the hill country of central-southern Texas, leaving families in Kerr County and beyond grappling with loss and uncertainty. As the Guadalupe River surged to record levels, homes and memories were washed away in minutes. Yet, amid the destruction, survivors found comfort in the compassion and solidarity of their neighbors and the wider community.

A Community Responds to Crisis

From July 4th to 7th, relentless rains—brought on by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry—unleashed five to eleven inches of rainfall across the region. The resulting floods claimed at least 145 lives, with 116 from Kerr County alone, and left many more missing or displaced. The area, known as the "flash flood corridor," has faced flood disasters before, but this event surpassed all previous records in its severity.

In the aftermath, survivors faced not only the loss of their homes and belongings but also the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. On July 26th, forty-one families gathered at the Burnet Community Center in Burnet County, where they received cash cards and eco-friendly blankets—practical support to help them take the first steps toward recovery.

Young Hands, Big Hearts

The relief effort was made possible through the collaboration of local government, charitable organizations, and a dedicated team of 29 volunteers from the Tzu Chi Texas Region Office and Austin Service Center. Many of the volunteers were young people from Austin, eager to spend their summer break serving others. Among them were siblings Darren Liu (劉遠昇) and Yi-Xin Liu (劉怡芯), who joined their mother, Mei-Feng Chang (張梅鳳), in helping with the distribution.

Kevin Kimball, invited by volunteer Anni Rohde (游安妮), also joined the effort, demonstrating how compassion transcends backgrounds. Volunteers took on various roles, from registration to logistics, ensuring that each family received the support they needed.

Survivors’ Voices: Loss, Resilience, and Gratitude

For many, the floodwaters arrived with terrifying speed. Jennifer Nicholson and her husband, Ronnie Williamson, lost nearly everything in just three minutes as water rose to four feet inside their home. “All our memories, everything we’d built over decades, were gone in an instant,” Jennifer shared. The couple also lost four vehicles, and after a brief period with a replacement car from their insurance, they were left to manage transportation on their own.

Despite the scale of their loss, Jennifer found solace in the presence of volunteers:

“Even if the financial aid isn’t huge, every bit helps us rebuild. But what matters even more is having someone to talk to, a smile, a hug. Sometimes, just being able to share our feelings is a huge relief.”

Melissa Williamson, another survivor, was awakened by her dog’s frantic barking as water rushed into her home. She and her dog were rescued by firefighters, but she returned to devastation. “It felt like the end of the world,” she recalled. Yet, the kindness of neighbors who brought a team to help clean her home left a lasting impression.

“They were so respectful and careful. Seeing the community come together, and with the support from outside, is indescribable. It’s hard to bear, but this help means everything.”

Jon Bender, who escaped thanks to his service dog’s warning, lost all his medication and pet supplies in the flood. “The first thing I’ll do with this card is buy medicine and food for my dog. He saved me, so I have to take care of him,” Jon said, expressing deep gratitude for the timely assistance.

Kendall Milburn and her son, Greyson Milburn, had only recently moved to Texas from California. Greyson’s camper, their home, was destroyed, along with their car. “We lost everything, but we’re grateful we survived,” Kendall said. She shared her son’s appreciation for the support: “Every bit of help matters. We’ll fill the bamboo bank you gave us and send it back to keep the love going.”

Trust and Teamwork: Building Hope Together

The rapid and effective distribution was made possible by the trust and cooperation of local officials and organizations. Paige Saucer, a government representative at the Multi-Agency Resource Center, provided crucial support by sharing information about affected families. The Ark of Highland Lakes, a local charity, helped spread the word, ensuring that nearly 60% of those on the list came to receive aid.

As survivors shared their stories of loss and resilience, volunteers listened with empathy, offering not just material support but also a sense of hope. “Hearing what people have gone through, it’s heartbreaking,” said Tsang-Bin Wen (溫倉彬), head of the Austin Service Center. “But being able to deliver this care in person, to represent the love of people from around the world, is truly meaningful.”

Though the floods took away homes and possessions, they also revealed the strength and kindness within the community. With neighbors and volunteers standing by their side, survivors are finding the courage to rebuild, one step at a time. In the light of compassion, the path forward is filled with hope.

Written by Xiu-Lian Zhu (朱秀蓮), Ching-Hung Yeh (葉晉宏)

Source: 多機構攜手合作 完成首場德州水患賑災