Del Rio Remembers Devastating Floods
Release Date: August 26, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-85
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 Personnel from 32 state and federal agencies joined with volunteers to meet immediate and long-term needs in Del Rio, Texas following flash floods that occurred five years ago. In this photo, a soldier assists in moving essential care items to flood victims.  The remnants of Tropical Storm Charley dumped 15 inches of rain in 12 hours. Flash flooding killed 6, injured 40 more and damaged more than 1000 homes. This aerial photo shows debris from some of the 120 homes that were completely destroyed. |
Today marks the five-year anniversary of a federal disaster declaration for tragic flooding that shocked Del Rio, Texas, a city of 35,000 people on the Texas/Mexico border, and more than 300 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
Beginning Saturday August 22, 1998, the remnants of Tropical Storm Charley stalled out over the Del Rio area producing 15 inches of rain in a 12-hour period. Six people died and 40 others were injured in the flash floods. One hundred twenty homes were destroyed and more than a thousand buildings were damaged.
"Hurricane season is a time of danger for coastal and inland communities," said Gary Jones, Acting Regional Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Texans need to know that tropical weather events can affect much of the state."
Following the federal disaster declaration, engineers, public health experts and environmental protection specialists from 32 state and federal agencies were among the dozens of disaster workers who quickly responded to community needs. FEMA and the State of Texas provided $16 million for housing, personal property, and other grants for individuals, and aid to repair the local infrastructure (schools, hospitals, essential services, etc).
To prevent the same disaster in the community, FEMA funded the Del Rio Buyout Program. The $3.75 million initiative resulted in the purchase of 170 damaged homes located in flood-prone areas that are now maintained as open space.
"As we remember the Del Rio flood, I urge Texans to learn about flooding in their communities and to take steps now to protect themselves," said Jones.
Floods affect more lives and damage more property than any other natural disaster. Information on flood risks and flood insurance is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's mission within DHS is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and to effectively manage the federal response and recovery efforts for any national incident. To help meet this mission, FEMA oversees the National Flood Insurance Program, the U.S. Fire Administration and Citizen Corps.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 10:15:27