Austin Residents Still Not Recovered After Nov. Floods

Written by Mason Anderson, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

February 26, 2002 — On the night of Nov. 14, 2001, as Austin residents looked forward to the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, a substantial storm accompanied by high winds and tornadoes moved into the Central Texas area, dropping a record breaking 14 inches of rain in two days.

Immediately after the floods, the American Red Cross of Central Texas distributed meals to affected residents.

More than 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and 10 people drowned as severe floods tore through an immense area of Texas from the Hill Country in Austin and San Antonio to the Gulf Coast and Rio Grande Valley. High winds spawned several twisters that blew out windows and toppled trees in Austin, Belton and Corpus Christi.

The night the storm struck, the American Red Cross immediately set up shelters to provide food, warmth and safety to displaced residents As the storm subsided, service centers were established to provide immediate disaster needs such as mental health counseling and financial assistance. Red Cross caseworkers helped an average of 40 families a day.

For those residents unable to get to Red Cross centers, six emergency response vehicles (ERVs) were deployed to deliver meals throughout the affected region.

More than three months later, nearly everything has been cleaned up but life has not returned to normal for many residents. The Red Cross is continuing to assist nearly 600 residents with their long-term disaster recovery needs.

"We helped hundreds of residents with immediate disaster needs, such as shelter and food, and helped rebuild minor home damages," said Claudia McWhorter, director of communications for the American Red Cross of Central Texas. "Now we are moving into a second relief stage by offering long-term assistance to 600 residents."

Floods Damage Homes in Three Ways

The water damages materials. Wallboard will disintegrate if it remains wet too long; wood can swell, warp or rot; electrical parts can short out, malfunction and cause fires or shock. Mud, silt, and unknown contaminants in the water not only get everything dirty; they also create a health hazard. Dampness promotes the growth of mildew, a mold or fungus that can grow on everything.

Long-term recovery assistance involves meeting with families and determining any needs that may still exist. This assistance includes providing vouchers for necessities such as groceries or basic furnishings or clothing that were lost or damaged in the floods. The vouchers also may cover the cost of work tools to help residents rebuild.

"The American Red Cross believes that using the voucher system provides the necessary steps to recovery for victims suffering from the unexpected events that nature can cause," said McWhorter. "It allows victims to once again experience the independence of purchasing items for their families and homes." Floods are one of the most dangerous and damaging types of natural disasters. Last year in Austin, floods turned lives upside down. Many residents learned that dangers do not end when floodwaters recede. Homes were left with weakened foundations, electrical systems were shorted out, and floodwaters contaminated drinking water.

When a flood hits, daily routines can be affected for months. In Austin, more than 300 residents remain without mail service due to back-ups caused by the floods and must travel each day to local post offices to pick up their mail, according to media reports.

Repairing homes after a flood can be a massive task because of the substantial damage floodwaters cause. Rebuilding can involve everything from draining ceilings and walls to discarding debris. Despite the daunting task, Austin residents are beginning to move forward with the help of the Red Cross.

"In a time of devastation, the Red Cross of Central Texas was there to provide the little bit of hope that the flood victims need to begin their road to recovery," said McWhorter.

Click here for more information on repairing a flooded home.