Dominic Anthony Walsh/Houston Public Media
Donnie Mosher was in Houston during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 when, in the midst of severe flooding, he saw people spring to action to help their family, friends, neighbors and even strangers.
He witnessed the same sense of community, along with similar levels of grief and devastation, while in the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Mosher said he’s considering a move from Houston to Kerr County and was there to scout out a new home when floodwaters surged out of the Guadalupe River early Friday – washing out homes and vehicles and leading to the deaths of more than 100 people.
While stuck in a short-term rental without food, water or electricity in the immediate aftermath of the flood, Mosher said multiple nearby residents came to check on him, with one even inviting him over for a meal.
“This is an incredibly, incredibly sad situation,” Mosher said. “But the way people just kind of took us in and helped us and made us part of their family is just amazing.
“After Harvey, the way people got their boats out, pulling people out and helping people clear their houses, it’s really the same thing,” he added. “It’s a Texas thing, I think.”
Among the over 100 deaths in Kerr County and surrounding areas in Central Texas were dozens of children, including young girls from Camp Mystic. Several of those reported dead or missing are from the Houston area.
Rescue and recovery crews, along with volunteers and donations of both money and supplies, have poured in from all over the state.
RELATED: How Houston residents can donate, volunteer to help Texas Hill Country flood victims
As the weekend in the Hill Country dragged on and the death toll continued to climb, Mosher said the mood in the region became “pretty somber.”
“It really is devastating,” he said.
Before the heavy rain started Thursday night, Mosher said there was little indication of the tragedy to come.
“Here’s the weird thing. I was looking at the weather Thursday night, and there was nothing,” he said. “Then all of a sudden, around 10:30 or 11, it stared to rain. It just got worse and worse.”
RELATED: Texas lawmaker wants investigation into weather alert system and storm preparedness
His short-term rental avoided the flooding. But Mosher saw the damage it caused when he woke the next morning — fallen trees scattered and a nearby bridge underwater.
He also saw Hill Country residents helping and comforting each other, much like he saw in his hometown of Houston eight years earlier.
“It’s a very tight community. That’s why we want to move here,” Mosher said. “It’s a very tight community and a lot of people that love each other.
“Just pray for this community, for the rebuilding,” he added.
Great Job & the Team @ Houston Public Media Source link for sharing this story.
