Rivers and lakes are rising beyond flood levels as Texans continue to brace against the floodwaters.
Thousands of residents in Texas and Oklahoma were forced to leave their homes in the past week to avoid floods. Though the storms have partially receded, the continuous rainfall swelled many rivers and continues to put homes and lives at risk.
As rivers continue to swell, some residents refuse to leave their homes. Though residents have been advised to leave their homes by the government, some choose to stay in fear of looters. Several rivers continue to rise past flood levels though rains have stopped. The storms have claimed some 23 lives in Texas and Oklahoma; 9 people remain missing.
The storms caused many buildings and other structures to be overrun with water, some buildings were swept away. A vacation home by the Blanco River in Texas was swept away by the floodwater with three families still inside. Seven individuals from the families remain missing while two are confirmed dead. The vacation home was swept off its foundation and carried downriver until it crashed and broke apart.
Kelley Burke, a family friend and spokesperson for the families, shared with reporters. "It’s impossible to express in words the tremendous loss, pain and fear we are feeling," said Burke.
“Over the past few days, we’ve been absolutely amazed and overwhelmed at the generosity of others, even complete strangers. This experience has strengthened our faith in God and in humanity."
Thousands of homes were damaged in the floods and have left thousands without homes. Airbnb, an accommodations company, responded to the crisis by offering free services for victims of the floods.
President Obama addressed Americans and stated the need to help fellow Americans during these times of crisis. "They appear to have the assets they need at this stage. There's going to be a lot of rebuilding, and we as a nation are going to have to help, the same way we do anytime that folks are affected by these natural disasters," said the President.
In certain places in Texas, such as Wimberley, cleanup efforts began as floodwaters left behind a trail of branches and other debris.
