KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Amid the chaos of devastating floods that struck Kerr County during the July Fourth holiday last summer, emergency dispatchers were inundated with over 400 desperate calls for assistance. Families huddled on rooftops and in treetops pleaded for help as they battled for survival against the rising waters.
“There’s water filling up super fast, we can’t get out of our cabin,” a terrified camp counselor exclaimed over the frantic shouts of campers. Families faced harrowing decisions as floodwaters enveloped their homes. “We can’t get out of our cabin, so how do we get to the boats?” echoed one call, showcasing the desperation faced by many.
One 911 caller, trapped in a tree as it began to break under the pressure of the floodwaters, requested a helicopter rescue that never came. “The tree I’m in is starting to lean and it’s going to fall. Is there a helicopter close?” he asked, his calm voice betraying the imminent danger.
The floods, described as catastrophic, devastated cabins and youth camps along the Guadalupe River, killing at least 136 people statewide, including at least 117 in Kerr County alone. Among the deceased were campers and counselors from the century-old Camp Mystic, where 25 campers and two counselors tragically lost their lives.
“We’re OK, but we live a mile down the road from Camp Mystic, and we had two little girls come down the river,” one local woman stressed during her call seeking help, revealing the uncertainty and fear that permeated the community.
The recordings of these 911 calls were released recently, providing insight into the chaotic atmosphere of those critical hours. Many residents reported being caught entirely off guard, claiming they received no warning prior to the floods overtaking the riverbanks. Local officials faced scrutiny over their response and preparedness.
As the floodwaters rose, dispatchers responded to the increasing number of calls from people trapped in their homes—many escalating their situation from second floors to rooftops within the span of minutes. “How do we get to the roof if the water is so high?” a woman from Camp Mystic asked in one call, highlighting the overwhelming fear and confusion.
As daylight broke, the situation became dire, and calls increased exponentially, with many reporting survivors stranded in trees or the floating debris of their homes.
The overwhelming response from dispatchers, in an effort to provide comfort and guidance, showcased their limitations as well. They were often forced to move on to the next distressing call, leaving many unanswered. “I don’t know when help will arrive,” a dispatcher told a caller in desperate need.
This tragic episode in Kerr County highlights the importance of effective crisis communication systems and timely warning for residents to ensure their safety during unexpected natural disasters.
