Floodwaters Leave Trail of Devastation Through Hill Country

Floodwaters that surged through the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July claimed lives, destroyed homes and caused major damage to farms and ranches.

“It’s one of those supernatural occurrences where the water just came up faster than anybody ever dreamed it could,” Justin Stieler, Kerr County Farm Bureau president, said.

Heavy rain fell over parts of Central Texas, leading to flash flooding in Kerrville and surrounding towns and communities.

“I’ve lived on the river in Kerr County my entire life. I remember 1978, 1987—the flood that everybody always makes reference to,” he said. “I remember all those, and nothing compares to what we saw on the morning of July 4.”

The flood has far surpassed the 1987 event, becoming the highest on record at 37.5 feet, according to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly.

Kerrville and the nearby communities of Ingram and Hunt were among the hardest hit. The region, busy with holiday festivities and riverfront camping, turned into a disaster zone in a matter of hours.

But amid the tragedy and heartbreak, help began pouring in from Texans—both near and far.

“The outpouring of support and donations is quite humbling to be perfectly honest,” Stieler said. “To see how many people have geared up and want to help the area right now. There are so many volunteers.”

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, organized by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is coordinating donations to support those affected. Kerr County Farm Bureau is working in conjunction with the effort to help ensure resources are directed to the families in need.

Although his home wasn’t flooded, Stieler said the creek behind his house rose significantly, and he and his family were quick to pitch in to help others the next morning.

“We got out the tractor, cleared debris from the bridge, and then went to see who needed help,” he said.

What keeps him going, Stieler said, is the resilience of the community and the kindness of strangers.

“We want to thank everybody for the prayers, and there are so many Texans out there that want to lend a helping hand,” he said. “It gives you some hope, hope that we’re going to recover from this.”

And eventually, they will. But lives have been forever changed.

If you’d like to make a monetary donation, please consider the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Click here to donate.