Consider This from NPR: Flooding is Common in Texas Hill Country. This Was Different
Released on July 7, 2025
In this compelling episode of NPR's Consider This, the hosts delve into the unprecedented flooding that recently devastated Texas Hill Country, exploring personal stories of survival, community resilience, and the underlying impacts of climate change.
Rapid Onset of Devastating Floodwaters
Ari Shapiro sets the stage by describing the sudden and extreme rise of the Guadalupe River:
"Imagine standing in water shallow enough to just barely hit the soles of your feet. And then it rises so fast that in just about 10 minutes, it's up to your neck." ([00:00])
Sergio Martinez Beltran narrates his experiences in Kerrville, where the floodwaters surged 26 feet in less than an hour, leaving residents scrambling for safety.
Personal Stories of Survival
Ryan Dale, a local resident, shares his harrowing account of the flood:
"Get out there. It's flooding. And we thought, well, hell, I've seen it flood before. I never even thought of getting that damn high." ([01:06])
Despite his prior experience with floods, Dale found himself unprepared for the extraordinary rise, resulting in significant property loss and homelessness:
"We had friends that were camped up the road here, and they didn't make it. So this has been very devastating." ([01:39])
Melvin Harris and his wife also recount the rapid escalation of the flood, leading to the loss of their home and vehicles:
"By the time they got out, the water was waist deep." ([01:20])
Community Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Sergio provides a vivid depiction of the aftermath in Kerr County, where search and rescue operations are still underway:
"There are these loud helicopters flying really low and overhead that were clearly continuing this really desperate search for survivors or any signs of life." ([05:47])
Virginia Mann, a long-time resident, reflects on the transformation of the once tranquil Guadalupe River:
"It's nothing like this. When these rivers rage, when they converge together, it just causes a dramatic... wall of water was just unbelievable." ([05:47])
Volunteers like Matt Tristle demonstrate the community's unwavering spirit, working tirelessly to clear debris and search for missing individuals:
"Just clearing debris, clearing trees, getting the piles open so, you know, people can see down in there." ([07:07])
Tristle emphasizes the collective effort and hope within the community:
"Texans take care of Texans. You know, Americans take care of Americans... we still hope there's some kids that are still alive." ([07:40])
The Role of Climate Change in Extreme Weather Events
The episode shifts focus to the broader implications of climate change on such extreme weather events. Juana Summers discusses preliminary findings with Rebecca Hersher from NPR's Climate Desk:
"A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture. So that moisture, it falls as heavy rain." ([09:45])
They highlight that heaviest storms in Texas are dropping about 20% more rain today than in the late 1950s:
"In Texas, the heaviest storms are dropping about 20% more rain today than they were in the late 1950s when the climate was significantly cooler." ([10:08])
The conversation underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of such floods, attributing a significant portion of the damage to human-induced climate change:
"In the last 30 years or so, about one third of the damage caused by inland flooding would not have happened without human caused climate change." ([10:22])
Juana Summers emphasizes the need for updated infrastructure and better forecasting systems to mitigate future disasters:
"Flood warning systems, you know, sirens that can help alert people. They cost money. Most places don't have them." ([11:28])
Conclusion
The episode concludes by highlighting the intersection of personal tragedy and global climate trends, urging listeners to recognize the profound impacts of climate change on local communities. The stories from Texas Hill Country serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and improved disaster preparedness.
Produced by: Tyler Bartlem, Erica Ryan, Connor Donovan, and Mark Rivers
Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun