A severe flood in Texas has led to devastating losses for a family, including the 94-year-old matriarch, Betty Matteson. The historic home, known as “Casa Del Rio,” located in the Texas Hill Country, was submerged under debris and water during a catastrophic surge of the Guadalupe River. Despite the extensive damage, family members are committed to rebuilding their cherished residence.
The flood struck on July 4, 2024, as Betty and her family gathered to celebrate the holiday. The sudden rise of the river, which surged to nearly 30 feet, forced Betty, her children, grandchildren, and friends to seek refuge in the attic. While they escaped unharmed, their home did not share the same fate. Tragically, more than 120 people, including 27 campers from nearby Camp Mystic, lost their lives in this disaster, with many more reported missing.
In the aftermath, the Matteson family faced the daunting task of assessing the damage. The three-story house, which had been a focal point for family gatherings since 1968, was now filled with mud and debris. Shannon Swindle, Betty’s granddaughter, described the scene in a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for recovery efforts. “The land didn’t just flood; it became a collection point for destruction from all directions,” she wrote.
The family estimates the repair costs to be around $500,000. Unfortunately, they lacked flood insurance, which Betty described as “nearly impossible” to afford. The premiums for flood coverage were far too high, with estimates ranging between $6,000 and $8,000 annually. With the property deeply rooted in their family’s history, Betty expressed her determination to preserve it for future generations.
The Matteson family has maintained ties to the area for nearly a century, dating back to when Betty’s in-laws purchased a nearby home in 1929. “I’ve just been holding on for dear life because it was just an exceptionally beautiful, calming, peaceful place,” she reflected shortly after the flood.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), only 4% of homes nationwide are covered by flood insurance, with even lower rates in high-risk areas. In Kerr County, where the flood’s impact was most severe, only 2% of residents have this crucial protection. The U.S. Geological Survey has noted an increase in the frequency and severity of flash flooding across the Guadalupe River basin over the past two decades.
Governor Greg Abbott characterized the flooding as a “1-in-100-year event,” but climate experts warn that such occurrences are becoming more common due to global warming. This rise in extreme weather events has impacted various regions, including Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and New Mexico.
Despite the risks associated with living near the river, the family remains resolute about rebuilding their home. Barry Adelman, Betty’s grandson, conveyed the emotional attachment to the property, stating, “It’s a part of my identity.” He expressed a desire for the younger generation to experience the joys of family gatherings in the same way he did.
The family is hopeful for financial assistance from FEMA, though they doubt it will cover even a fraction of the rebuilding costs. Betty is currently staying with her daughter as they navigate the financial implications of restoring their home. Sherry Matteson, Betty’s daughter, remains optimistic about their ability to rebuild. “You can’t live your life afraid of what might happen,” she asserted. “You have to live your life the best you can.”
As the family contemplates the road ahead, they are united in their resolve to restore the house that has been a cornerstone of their family legacy for generations. Rebuilding, despite the looming threat of future floods, is not just about restoring a structure; it’s about preserving the memories and experiences that have defined their family for nearly six decades.
