By Ken Jarvis, San Antonio Area Media Specialist
Bill Elmer and his wife are both in their 70s, retired and have lived in Palm Valley, Texas for twenty years without ever experiencing a flood in their home. “We even went through hurricane Dolly and never had a problem,” Bill said. But on the night of Tuesday, June 25th, it started to rain. “It was the most spectacular rainstorm I’ve ever seen,” he continued. “There was so much lightning.”
The Elmers may not have experienced flooding in their home before, but they both have extensive backgrounds in emergency service and have volunteered many times. “We stayed up until about 9:30, and it was still pouring rain, coming down in buckets. But at that point the streets weren’t flooding so we went off to bed and went to sleep. Around 12:30 or 1 o’clock I hear splash, splash, splash and our dog jumps up into bed…wet.”
They immediately got up and by using a shop vac and squeegees got most of the water and half of the dirt out by the next day. “The following morning we started moping and cleaning up. But we still had dry wall damage and some studs and face plates were wet. “Water also soaked into our rock wool insulation.” They followed FEMA’s suggestion of using a white vinegar and peroxide solution to stop the mold but they were fighting an uphill battle.
With their advanced years and the size of their home it was impossible for them to get all the work done themselves. When they heard volunteers were available to help they were relieved and very grateful. Members of the Texas Hill Country Stake arrived Friday, July 12. They pitched in and cut up their flooring and drywall and hauled all the trash out of the house.
Lt. Julio Cetina of the Harlingen Fire Department said the storm came in with unexpected rain. “We had co-workers who were flooded in and couldn’t make it out to work. We also had rescues going on the following two days.” He added that they are still seeing some of the devastation, “We have citizens with a lot of water in their homes.”
Fernando Castillo was another resident of this area who got flooded out. “This rain just caught us off guard. It was raining and we thought it was going away pretty soon but it just never did. The electricity went off about 8:30 p.m. and at about 11 or 12 I could already hear the water inside our house. I think we were a little bit lucky because we only got about 3 or 4 inches.”
Fernando soon discovered that he wasn’t that lucky. He immediately sought help from the Red Cross but discovered they had to set emergency priorities and at that time could only help those who had no homes or food.
But he had a friend who helped him get in touch with National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster (VOAD). Through this network Fernando got help from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A group of young single adults came to his home and immediately started to clean it out.
“I really appreciate all this help,” Fernando said. “I always thought when I retire I should volunteer but now I think I should do it now, why wait?”
In addition to adults some hardworking teenagers pitched in to help as well. Caylee Easton was one of several youth who traveled to the Harlingen area to help. “It’s gone pretty good. We got to knock out a lot of walls.” She didn’t seem to mind the dirt and long hours. “I feel that this is a really good thing. We’re willing to help and that’s really great.”
Harlingen Stake President, Duran Elkins, said that weeks after the storm hit, “Some people still can’t get to their homes. Some people are in their homes but have to walk in two feet of water to get out to the road to get to their cars. So it’s still a mess here and we’re trying to do our best.” He expressed his gratitude for the help that’s come in from other areas. “I was just amazed at all the San Antonio people that are coming down and helping.”
Tim Bird of the Cibolo Hills Stake served as Project Coordinator. “We had volunteers arriving Friday afternoon and some stayed until Sunday afternoon.” His goal was to organize teams of about 10 to 12 people per team. “Ten people gutting a house can be done in about one and a half hours. Whereas with one or two people it is hours, even days longer.” He went on to warn, “We’re up against the clock. We have to get the wet stuff out before mold begins to grow and gets into the studs.”
Volunteers were able to stay in the Santa Rosa school gym. Members of the Harlingen Stake provided breakfast and a brief, but spiritual, Sacrament meeting was held Sunday morning, July 14, before crews headed out to work.
Local government officials expressed their gratitude for all the volunteers who came from various religious faiths and civic organizations. Cameron County Commissioner, Gus Ruiz, said all affected areas are in his precinct. “We want to let the public know of the great services being offered right now for the communities of Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas that were affected.”
Bobby De La Fuente, Mayor of Santa Rosa, was sworn in almost immediately after the flood hit his town. “We are thankful that this program was set up to help the people of Santa Rosa, he said. “We need all the help we can get.”
As the volunteers left the school gym Sunday morning for another day of work, they read this note from a grateful family. “Thank you for all your help. You and your team were quick, kind, very polite, professional and spiritual. I could feel the presence of our Lord’s helping hand with your team. You have been the answer to our prayers. Again, thank you so much! May the Lord always bless you.”
