Texas Flood Survivor Cynthia Thomas Describes Devastation: “Many Won’t Rebuild” Due to High Flood Insurance Costs
Kerr County, TX — As Texas continues to recover from the catastrophic floods that struck the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, residents are faced with the overwhelming destruction left in the wake of the disaster. Cynthia Thomas, a local survivor, spoke with NBC News’ Joe Fryer and Savannah Sellers, describing the extent of the damage and why many families, like hers, are unlikely to rebuild due to the high cost of flood insurance.
“What we’re dealing with here is a total loss,” Thomas explained, gesturing to the debris scattered across her neighborhood. “Homes, cars, personal belongings — everything is gone. And for many of us, that means we won’t be able to rebuild because we don’t have the insurance we need.”
Thomas, like many in her community, did not have flood insurance, a common issue for residents in flood-prone areas who were unaware or unable to afford the high premiums. “Flood insurance is expensive. We’ve lived here for years and never thought something like this could happen,” she continued. “Now, we’re left to pick up the pieces, but we simply can’t afford the insurance needed to rebuild.”
The catastrophic flooding, caused by torrential rains that sent rivers and streams over their banks, devastated entire communities. As waters receded, survivors like Thomas were left to survey the damage and face the painful reality that rebuilding would be far out of reach without the financial backing of flood insurance.
“Some people are just going to walk away from it all,” Thomas said, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness. “How can you rebuild when you’re already struggling just to get by? It’s not fair.”
For many residents of Texas Hill Country, the lack of flood insurance has become one of the most significant barriers to recovery. While local government and relief organizations are providing immediate aid, the long-term rebuilding efforts are severely hindered by the financial burden of insuring properties in flood-prone regions.
In the interview with NBC News, Thomas urged policymakers to address the high costs of flood insurance and improve access to affordable coverage for residents in flood-prone areas. “People shouldn’t have to go through something like this and be left with nothing,” she said. “There has to be a better way to help us rebuild.”
As the community struggles to recover, many are questioning how to move forward without the resources they need to start over, leaving some residents uncertain about their future in the area.