TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — It’s been nearly four months since the Independence Day floods devastated parts of Central Texas, including along Sandy Creek in western Travis County, where ten people were killed and homes were swept away.
Ashley Willis and her family, who have lived there for generations, said they lost everything – houses, farm structures and their family business.
“I think this was my bedroom. I’m like 98% certain it was,” she said, pointing to an empty space.
“Four structures in three hours. Not to mention the barns and all the animals,” Willis continued. “The amount of damage is incomprehensible.”
Residents have spent the past several months clearing piles of debris — tree limbs, vehicles, and shattered pieces of homes. Detritus still litters Willis’ property. She said it would be an impossible task to remove every piece left behind from the flood.
“I think we had 54 pull-behind trailers of debris pulled out,” she said.
Travis County officials say the deadline to apply for debris removal assistance is this Friday. You can apply by clicking this link.
Ensuring her neighbors get the help they need has become Willis’s passion. She recently formed the Sandy Creek Alliance, a grassroots group advocating for more recovery funding and faster emergency response times.
“We do it because we believe in change, but also that we shouldn’t have to do this alone,” Willis said. “There’s real power in community — and in working yourself from the local level up.”
Despite the challenges, Willis said she’s determined to see her community rebuilt.
“We are going to rebuild. It’s just a lot right now — very overwhelming.”
The Travis County Commissioners Court had planned to discuss the county’s disaster response, including the Sandy Creek floods, during its meeting on Tuesday, but the item was pulled from the agenda.
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