San Antonio Neighborhood Reels from Early Morning Flooding Disaster
Residents of Alamo Ranch, a neighborhood situated on the northwest side of San Antonio, Texas, awoke to a nightmarish scene early this morning as a severe flooding incident struck the area due to a significant break in a 16-inch main water line.
Catastrophe Strikes in the Early Morning
The first signs of trouble arrived around 5 a.m when residents were awakened by a loud, alarming noise. Linda Lloyd, one of the affected homeowners stated, “I heard what sounded like a car crashing into my house or a big explosion. At that time, water was everywhere.” The cause of this disaster was soon identified as a break in a main water line located between Lloyd’s home and her neighboring residence, causing water to gush out furiously, creating a river-like flow through the neighborhood.
A Swift Response from SAWS, but Residents Remain Concerned
Following the break, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) quickly dispatched crews to begin cleanup efforts and assess the extent of the damage. However, despite their swift response, many residents continue to worry about potential damage to their homes’ foundations and interiors.
The SAWS provided a statement expressing commitment to handle the situation, “Due to the ongoing drought, this 16-inch main broke. We have experienced crews onsite who are doing everything possible to avoid further damage. We will, of course, work with the homeowners.”
The Financial Impact and Uncertainty
Despite the assurances offered by SAWS, the residents remain worried about the financial implications of the incident. Rodney Hanson, a resident and fellow victim of the flood, expressed his concerns over the situation, stating, “Inside the house is flooded. Insurance is also saying this isn’t covered. The backyard landscaping is destroyed. So we’re just out.”
Lloyd also criticized the SAWS for allegedly not acting on an emergency she reported regarding a bubbling water issue earlier in the week, suggesting the disaster could potentially have been avoided.
Looking to the Future
The SAWS has reported that repairs to the mainline are expected to be completed by the end of the day. However, the longer-term questions of damage repair and financial responsibility remain to be settled.