Updated

Updated · KEYE TV CBS Austin · Jul 17

LCRA Opens Multiple Floodgates at 2 Texas Dams as Pedernales River Hits Highest Since 1979

Updated

Updated · KEYE TV CBS Austin · Jul 17

LCRA Opens Multiple Floodgates at 2 Texas Dams as Pedernales River Hits Highest Since 1979

Q: With towns underwater, what critical aid is still not reaching displaced Hill Country families?

The most urgent aid still not reliably reaching displaced Hill Country families is basic relief supplies in enough volume and speed, especially bottled water, shelf-stable food, diapers, wipes, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, blankets, and new socks and underwear. The flooding triggered by the rapidly rising Pedernales, Llano, and Colorado river systems has forced evacuations and opened shelters across Kerrville, Ingram, Center Point, Uvalde, and nearby communities. Relief groups including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Mercy Chefs, World Central Kitchen, and Austin Pets Alive! are active, and a regional flood relief fund has been launched. But the repeated public calls for donations of essentials indicate supply gaps remain for many families who have been displaced or cut off. The problem is not a total absence of response; it is that immediate necessities are still unevenly reaching everyone affected as floodwaters, road closures, and dangerous river conditions complicate distribution. Families need drinking water, food, infant supplies, sanitation items, and materials to clean mud- and bacteria-contaminated homes as soon as access is restored. Beyond the first wave of emergency aid, two other forms of help often lag badly after Hill Country floods: mental health care and safe long-term housing. Past Central Texas flood recoveries showed trauma support, mold remediation, and home repair can take months to reach families, even after shelters and food service are in place.

3 articles · Updated · KEYE TV CBS Austin · Jul 17

8:32 p.m. Thursday, LCRA began floodgate operations at Wirtz Dam on Lake LBJ and Starcke Dam on Lake Marble Falls, releasing water and urging residents to protect people and property.
High water and continued rainfall across the Colorado River basin drove the move, with LCRA saying crews are still monitoring weather, river levels and runoff conditions.
The Pedernales River near Fredericksburg was running high and fast Thursday morning, and CBS Austin said it had reached its highest level since 1979.
No floodwater gate operations were expected at Buchanan, Mansfield, Miller or Bastrop dams, while Inks Dam has no floodgates and was not expected to see spillway flow.