On a hot Tuesday morning, Cynthia Vlasek stood at the edge of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. She gazed at the calm water with mixed emotions of reverence and sadness.
“Getting in the river doesn’t feel right yet,” she whispered. “For locals, it holds a sacred meaning.”
While millions nationwide celebrate the country’s 250th birthday with parades, fireworks, and traditional foods, grief looms over the Fourth of July events in this region. Small picnics in Hunt, a memorial unveiling in Kerrville, and mental health support events show the enduring impact of last year’s tragedy.
Ms. Vlasek, a 63-year-old retired nurse who survived the flood, finds it difficult to join in the celebrations. She simply stated, “For me, it’s hard to celebrate.”
This Saturday marks one year since the catastrophic floods hit Hunt and the broader Hill Country, leaving a trail of destruction. Known for its wide-open spaces and summer camps, the area was heavily affected. The aftermath revealed extensive damage: debris caught in tree branches and heaps of wet wreckage blocking Highway 39, the main road along the Guadalupe River.
Homes, businesses, and camps were severely damaged or destroyed, with the floods claiming 139 lives. Most of the fatalities occurred in Kerr County, which includes Hunt and Kerrville, and included campers and staff from Camp Mystic.
The community has been working to rebuild over the past year, but progress has been slow. Many homes, R.V. parks, and resorts remain empty and under construction. Ms. Vlasek recalls the floodwaters threatening her own property and continues to strive for normalcy.