Torrential Rainfall Devastates Rio Grande Valley
In late March, the Rio Grande Valley experienced catastrophic flooding after over 16 inches of rain fell in a single day, an amount equal to the region’s average annual rainfall. Families like Consuelo Oliva’s were caught off guard in the middle of the night as floodwaters rapidly filled their homes. “It was horrible,” Oliva said, describing the terrifying moments when she and her children woke to water rising inside their home.
Homes Submerged, Families Displaced
Oliva’s story echoes across the Valley, where entire neighborhoods were inundated. Floodwaters stayed inside her home for three days, soaking insulation and furniture beyond repair. Mold spread quickly, and cleanup was a slow process. “Please tell me that I’m dreaming,” Oliva recalled saying to her husband. The couple, who spent 35 years building their home, lost nearly everything.
Texans on Mission Responds Amid Widespread Need
As communities struggled to recover, Texans on Mission deployed disaster relief teams to the Valley, even as other teams continued to operate in Missouri and Oklahoma. “We knew we needed to respond,” said David Wells, the organization’s disaster relief director. Volunteers provided showers, laundry services, and distribution of boxes, as well as flood recovery assistance.
Quick Relief Brings Hope to Flood Victims
Oliva’s daughter learned about the organization through her school and quickly contacted them. To her surprise, Texans on Mission called within a week and arrived the next day. “The help is coming tomorrow!” Oliva recalled telling her husband. The team completed in one day what would’ve taken weeks—removing ruined materials, cleaning mold, and salvaging what remained.
Community Support Offers More Than Just Cleanup
Volunteers not only cleaned but also uplifted the spirits of the families they served. “I felt so blessed and relieved,” Oliva said. “All this we can buy slowly. But life we can’t buy.” Supporters of Texans on Mission praise the organization’s quick and compassionate response. Critics, however, raise concerns about dependency on volunteer organizations in disaster scenarios and the need for stronger infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
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Texans on Mission flood recovery teams help families
Photo by Wes Warren on Unsplash
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