Reliably Austin
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
This series looks at how local, state and educational policies affect the neighborhood – everything from City Council representation to childhood obesity.

Photos: Cleaning Up After Flooding in Dove Springs, Onion Creek

Austin and Travis County leaders have declared states of disaster in the wake of last week’s flooding, with more than 600 homes damaged and 37 destroyed. It's the first step in getting federal disaster aid. Officials and residents are still working to clear away debris, while emergency responders continue to provide shelter, food and help as victims figure out their next steps.

On South Pleasant Valley Road in Dove Springs, volunteers set up underneath tents along the road handing out everything from blankets and diapers to deodorant. Neighborhood association president Edward Reyes, says people remaining in their homes could face complications as a result of flood damage.

“A lot of these homes are starting to get mold in them and you can smell them now. We’ll probably see a new problem because of it," says Reyes.

Nearby, Perez Elementary school reopened after closing for two days because roads leading to the school were inaccessible. At the morning assembly on the first day back, Principal David Kauffman commended the students for helping out over the weekend. 

“I saw kids out there giving out food to help people. I saw Perez Pythons asking how they can volunteer. It was incredible to see the support the neighborhood was giving each other," Kauffman says.

Kauffman estimates about a third of the 900 students were directly affected by the floods. 

Related Content