Introduction to the Flood
For many residents of the Texas Hill Country, the flood came without warning. The streets of Ingram’s Bumble Bee Hills subdivision, with names like Queen Bee, May Bee, and Should Bee, were quickly inundated with water from the raging Guadalupe River. Martha Murayama, a resident of the subdivision, described the scene as the water rose rapidly. "We heard a roar, and the door started… the hinges started buckling, and we looked outside, and the water was up above our windows," she said.
The Sudden Onset of the Flood
The flood was as sudden as it was ferocious. Lilia Herrera, who lives on Honey Bee, said that the water came within five minutes, making it impossible to push the door open. Her husband, who has Parkinson’s disease, was pulled to safety by a neighbor who tied a rope around his waist. "We lost everything inside the home, but we have our lives," Herrera said, counting her blessings.
Destruction and Loss
The destruction in the Bumble Bee Hills subdivision was severe, with around two dozen homes inundated by the flood. The streets were left with debris and ruined contents of the homes. Martha Murayama’s house was filled not only with water but also with sewage, leeches, and 12-inch bass. "It’s a big mess," she said, assessing the damage.
Community Response and Support
Despite the devastation, the community has come together to support each other. Martha Murayama reflected on the gratitude she feels for those who have rushed to Central Texas to help her and her neighbors. "People dropping off buckets with mops and water, paper towels and trash bags," Murayama said, "And a lot of other people dropping off bags of hamburgers and bottled water. It’s just a huge outpouring of love from strangers who don’t know us."
Rebuilding and Recovery
As the community begins to rebuild and recover, the prospect is daunting. Kyle McCormick, who considered the 38-inch waterline in his father-in-law’s house, said, "We’re all safe. Everybody else wasn’t that lucky." They plan to rebuild, though it’s hard, and they’ve rebuilt after floods before. "It’s hard, but we’re strong. We’ve rebuilt after floods before," McCormick said.
Conclusion
The flood in the Texas Hill Country has left a trail of destruction and loss, but it has also brought the community together. As residents count their material losses, they also count their blessings. The outpouring of love and support from strangers has been a huge source of comfort and strength. As the community begins to rebuild and recover, they remain strong and resilient, determined to overcome the challenges ahead.
