Severe flooding has hit southeast Texas once again, leaving residents in shock and devastation. The region, still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, is no stranger to consecutive days of rain. However, the recent flooding in places like Conroe, Kingwood, northern Liberty County, and River Plantation has been described by many as unprecedented. ABC13 Houston’s 24/7 Streaming Channel captured the heartbreaking scenes as neighbors were forced to evacuate their homes, leaving behind cherished belongings and even making difficult decisions regarding their beloved pets.
One such heart-wrenching story involves a dog owner from Plum Grove in Liberty County. Nicole Rose and her family had to make the tough decision of leaving behind their pregnant Great Dane, Mya, as they were evacuated. Despite Rose’s husband’s attempt to retrieve Mya using a canoe, the dog was too heavy to transport safely. Rescue crews also searched for Mya but were unable to find her. It was a surreal and heartbreaking moment for the family, who had already lost so much. However, there was a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. Rose and her husband returned to their home, broke a window, and found Mya alive. Although their house was still flooded, they were relieved to have rescued their beloved pet.
In River Plantation, Montgomery County, a drone operator proved to be a valuable asset during the flooding emergency. This operator, who had previously used a canoe to rescue people during Hurricane Harvey, utilized a remote-operated drone to assess the safety of his neighbors’ homes. The drone provided crucial information to those anxiously waiting for updates on their properties.
Another close call occurred in Porter, Montgomery County when Destiny Deacon and her three children woke up to the sound of a large oak tree crashing into their home. Thankfully, the tree narrowly missed their children’s room. Deacon expressed her gratitude that nobody was hurt and considered it a blessing, especially since she had just announced that she was expecting a baby boy.
In Liberty County, one woman had to hastily pack her belongings into bags as she escaped the rising floodwaters. She tearfully revealed that she didn’t have insurance for her home due to her fixed income, and she likely lost an irreplaceable gift – a hand-sewn cape made by her mother, whom she had only met in her 40s. It was a heartbreaking moment as she had to leave behind cherished possessions accumulated over a lifetime.
Despite official warnings to evacuate, some residents chose to stay behind and ride out the flooding. However, many quickly regretted their decision when they witnessed the rescuers assisting their neighbors and realized the severity of the situation. It serves as a reminder that heeding the advice of officials is crucial during such emergencies.
In Woodloch, a small community southeast of River Plantation, one family’s prior experience with flooding helped them mitigate potential losses. Kaden Blackburn and his family live near the San Jacinto River and have faced severe floods before. This time, they were able to move their furniture out just in time, thanks to the early warning they received. Kaden emphasized the importance of knowing when it’s time to evacuate, as staying behind could lead to being trapped in dangerous conditions.
The flooding in southeast Texas has also gained national attention. Matt Gutman, ABC News’ chief national correspondent, reported live from Cleveland, Texas, where knee-high water rushed in within an hour. While no major injuries or deaths have been reported in the early stages of the emergency, the scale of the disaster is impossible to ignore.
The recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerability of southeast Texas to extreme weather events. Despite efforts to recover from past disasters like Hurricane Harvey, communities continue to face immense challenges when faced with consecutive days of rain. The stories of resilience and survival amidst tragedy highlight the strength and determination of the affected residents. As the region rebuilds once again, it is crucial to prioritize measures that mitigate the impact of future flooding events and ensure the safety and well-being of the communities in southeast Texas.
