Flash floods in Central Texas claim over 100 lives, prompting survivors to call for better warning systems.
KERRVILLE, Texas — When the floodwaters began rushing into Blue Oak RV Park on the Fourth of July, Michael Abner and Trish Isbell had no idea their lives were about to be in danger.
The flash floods in Central Texas are now responsible for the deaths of over 100 people.
The couple, who frequently stay at the Kerrville-area RV park, were parked on higher ground when the unexpected surge hit.
Abner said one of the park’s owners, Lorena Guillen, began banging on their door to wake them up and warn them to leave immediately.
“I came out to find, there was a fifth-wheel RV floating behind mine,” Abner told KHOU 11 News. “It blew my mind and I was like, ‘Oh crap, we have to get out of here right now.’”
Abner said he grabbed his laptop bag and, alongside Isbell, ran uphill to safety. Within 30 minutes, they returned to check on the RV park and were stunned to find the water had risen by 20 feet.
Now safe, Abner and Isbell are calling for changes to better protect others in the Hill Country, such as installing flood sirens.
“Even if they send a warning to your cell phone, those areas are very remote and you may not get that. We didn’t get that. I mean the thing with the sirens is it’s loud and you hear it going off and you know to get the heck out of there,” he said.
The couple said they’ll never forget the fear of that night or the sadness of knowing not everyone made it out. Abner said one family couldn’t be reached in time because of the powerful currents.