KERRVILLE, Texas – As floodwaters receded, city leaders said more problems were emerging, with damage they described as far worse than last year’s July 4 flooding.

In one hard-hit neighborhood along Town Creek, floodwater pushed into the home of Alma Martinez, leaving what she worked for piled outside as cleanup began. “I am happy because I am here,” Martinez said.

Martinez lives next to Town Creek on West Schnieder Street. She said she barely escaped when the water came rushing in. “But 30 seconds, boom, cover me, everything,” she said.

With the water now down, recovery is expected to be a long process for many families. Some residents have been staying in hotels, surrounded by debris, as they wait for help and answers about how extensive the damage is and how long repairs will take.

Teams from FEMA and the Texas Department of Emergency Management were in Kerrville assessing damage. The assessments came as residents voiced frustration that they need help more quickly than they are getting it, including at an emergency meeting at City Hall last night.

Kerrville’s public works director said the city is moving as quickly as possible while dealing with its own infrastructure needs. “We’re still tending to our own critical needs with our infrastructure. But we do have some conversations coming up today to get something lined up to get those those properties taken care of,” the director said.

In the meantime, community groups including Somebody Cares and Samaritan’s Purse have been helping families clear debris and prepare homes for rebuilding.

Alan, who was helping with recovery efforts, said the goal is “so that we can get it contracted ready and hopefully get it to a point where they can have their habitability back.”

Mark, also assisting, said the scope of loss is overwhelming. “You have to realize their entire life is sitting in a pile. You know, everything, every knick-knack, every piece of furniture, every blanket,” he said.

Even with a long recovery ahead for Martinez and nearby neighbors, residents remained optimistic as cleanup continued.