Texas Floods Start to Recede in Some Areas 

Release Date: October 26, 1998
Release Number: 1257-003

» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The upper reaches of the flooded rivers in Texas have crested and are slowly receding. However, many areas downstream remain flooded. In Wharton, the Colorado River has crested and local officials are hopeful that water levels will recede enough to allow residents to return to their homes soon.

As of last night, there were 12 shelters open housing approximately 525 people. By this morning the American Red Cross (ARC) reported that number had dropped to five shelters open housing 132 people.

In Cuero, the water system is about 60 percent operational in the areas that did not suffer major flood damage and it is expected that the water system in those areas should be functional by tomorrow. A boil-water order remains in effect until the water lines are no longer considered contaminated. In other areas with major flood damage, it is expected to be several weeks before the water distribution is restored.

All interstate highways are open, though delays and detours exist where standing water and cleanup operations are in progress. Numerous secondary roads remained closed.

The State/Federal Disaster Field Office in San Antonio is expected to be fully operational today. A mobilization center has been established at Ft. Sam Houston, and is supported by the Defense Coordinating Element.

Damage assessments continue, but water levels are still too high in many areas for the teams to do assessments. Community Relations teams have deployed to Austin, San Antonio and the Victoria/Cuero area.

The Texas major disaster declaration, FEMA-1257-DR, was amended on Oct. 23, adding Public Assistance (PA) Categories A & B which cover debris removal and emergency protective measures for the original 20 counties. The declaration was also amended on Oct. 23 to include Austin, Ft. Bend, Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties for Individual Assistance (IA) and PA Categories A & B.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Jan-2004 10:35:56