Texas Legislature to discuss emergency preparedness measures following deadly floods : NPR

Michel Martin, host:

Texas legislature is starting discussions today to help communities hit by catastrophic floods almost three weeks ago. At least 135 people died. The legislature was already planned for a special session to focus on redistribution, but emergency and alert preparation systems have become priority after floods. Sarah Grunau of Houston Public Media recently spent several days in Kerr County, which was one of the most affected areas. And she is now with us Houston this morning to tell us more about what she discovered. Hello, Sarah.

Sarah Grunau, Byline: Hello.

Martin: So while you were there, what did you hear residents of the kind of help they need and what they hope for the legislators?

Grunau: Yeah. What I heard from residents of several cities along the Guadalupe river in Kerr County is that they really need immediate help to continue their life. Many people have lost their house and now live in hotels or stay with parents. And for the moment, they just need money to rebuild their homes and buy new household appliances. Many companies in the region, which are behind economic activity and jobs for many people, have also been destroyed. And this area – it is often known as the South Flood Alley. It is very subject to floods. Residents here said they would like more effective early alert systems to prevent future disasters like that of independence.

Martin: And what do you know what legislators hope to achieve during this special session?

Grunau: Yeah. We do not know all the details, but the legislators have tabled more than 15 bills to consider. What we know is that the priorities range from the immediate response to communities that have been devastated by floods to improve warning systems during serious weather events and potential floods. Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, told Texas’ press room that people from the affected communities need immediate financial assistance.

(Soundbit of archived registration)

Paul Bettencourt: Let’s just go money, get a solution, get it.

GRUNAU: The other proposals include a after -sinter recovery loan program for small businesses. And another project would require youth camp cabins located near the water to have radio devices and life jackets. It is in response to the death of 27 campers and advisers of the summer camp for young people for girls, Camp Mystic, which was one of the most tragic elements of this flood event.

Martin: Absolutely – something that, I think, still sticks with a lot of people now. So say more about what it was on the ground a few weeks later.

Grunau: Yeah. Volunteers are still roughly present here and help people get back on their feet. Organizations like the Salvation Army provide food, clothes and new devices. And agencies like FEMA and Small Business Administration are created in a church in Kerrville to help people request financial assistance. And again, many residents wonder where they will then live. Jake Richards and his wife, Julia, have stayed with relatives since their mobile house was swept away in Kerrville. And he worries, as a media coverage after the flood reduction that the aid can stop.

Jake Richards: It will soon escape the minds of people and – which is difficult to think. So all you can do is help you, you know, the attention is there, help while the need is there.

Grunau: And while Kerr County continues with cleaning and recovery efforts, local officials and the State urges residents to protect the flood insurance in case the ridge river and floods the community.

Martin: It’s Sarah Grunau from Houston Public Media. Sarah, thank you.

Grunau: Thank you.

(Soundbit of “On the Atlantic Ocean” by Ben Sollee)

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