Introduction to the Disaster
At least 104 people are confirmed dead following catastrophic flash flooding that tore through Central Texas last week, with dozens more still missing. The flooding has caused widespread destruction, leaving many homes ruined and lives upended.
The Government’s Response
Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session on Friday, and lawmakers once again failed to make a quorum. The special session was intended to address flood relief, among other issues. However, the lack of a quorum has prevented any progress from being made.
Survivors Feel Like Political Pawns
Some survivors of the Kerr County Flood feel like they are caught in the middle of lawmakers’ games, while they desperately need relief. They are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, with many homes destroyed and lives lost. Kylie Nidever, a resident of the area, said that there are over 30 homes in her neighborhood, and only five were spared from major damage. "Homes are ruined, lives are upended, and the trauma is real," Nidever said.
The Challenges Faced by Survivors
Survivors are facing numerous challenges, including debris removal, insurance claims, and FEMA applications. Many are having to pay out of pocket to haul debris to the dump, and insurance companies are denying claims. Additionally, mold is already taking hold in some homes, and some homeowners are being told that they need permits or have to raise the elevation of their homes before they can rebuild.
The Need for Assistance
Survivors are calling for assistance from the government to help with mental health resources, debris cleanup, and other recovery needs. Nidever said that Governor Abbott has refused to use his emergency budget authority, which could provide much-needed funding for relief efforts. "Governor Abbott has refused to use his emergency budget authority," Nidever said. "Now the special session he called will end with no quorum and no action on flood recovery. That’s not just a failure of leadership; that’s a failure of basic human decency."
The Governor’s Response
In a statement, Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, said that the Governor has deployed all the resources available to him to support the communities impacted by the flood. However, additional funds would need legislative approval. "Per the Texas Constitution, only the Texas Legislature can appropriate funds," Mahaleris said. "Governor Abbott continues to work on flood relief and recovery with state agencies and lawmakers working in Austin."
The Importance of Warning Systems
Kerr County officials have acknowledged that they needed an adequate warning system to alert people ahead of flash floods. However, they were afraid to tell their voters that they needed to use tax money for a warning system. This lack of warning system has been criticized as "penny-wise and pound-foolish."
Conclusion
The flash flooding in Central Texas has had a devastating impact on the community, with many lives lost and homes destroyed. The government’s response has been criticized for being inadequate, and survivors are calling for more assistance. It is essential that the government takes immediate action to provide relief and support to those affected by the disaster. The deployment of state funds to assist with mental health resources, debris cleanup, and other recovery needs is crucial to help the community recover from this tragedy.
