A devastating flood has destroyed the cherished home of 94-year-old Betty Matteson in Texas, leaving her family grappling with the decision to rebuild. The Matteson family’s house, known as “Casa Del Rio,” has served as a gathering place for generations since 1968. They gathered there for the Fourth of July, celebrating traditions and enjoying the picturesque surroundings of the Guadalupe River.
On that fateful day, as the river surged to nearly 30 feet, Matteson and her family were forced to flee to the attic, where they huddled together with two cats and two dogs. The floodwaters engulfed their home, which had been a safe haven for countless family celebrations, including a granddaughter’s wedding just the previous year. Tragically, the flood resulted in the deaths of over 120 people, including 27 from nearby Camp Mystic, and left at least 150 individuals missing.
After hours of waiting, emergency responders rescued the family, but their home was left in ruins. “The land didn’t just flood; it became a collection point for destruction from all directions,” explained Shannon Swindle, Matteson’s granddaughter, who has started a GoFundMe campaign to help her grandmother. The family estimates it will cost around $500,000 to restore the property, which lacked flood insurance due to its prohibitive cost.
Matteson has been renting out a cottage on the property to help cover living expenses but found it impossible to afford annual flood insurance premiums ranging from $6,000 to $8,000. The family has deep roots in the area, with ties dating back to 1929 when Matteson’s husband’s parents purchased the neighboring house. “I’ve just been holding on for dear life because it was just an exceptionally beautiful, calming, peaceful place,” she said.
According to FEMA, only 4% of homes nationwide have flood insurance, and in Kerr County, which was severely impacted by the recent floods, that figure drops to just 2%. The US Geological Survey has reported an increase in the frequency and severity of flash flooding in the Guadalupe River basin over the past 20 years. Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the flooding as a “1-in-100-year event,” yet such disasters are becoming more common as climate change intensifies weather patterns.
Despite the risks associated with living near the river, the Matteson family is determined to rebuild. “If it’s something that you love so much and so dearly, there’s so many memories that saying goodbye is almost not an option,” Swindle reflected, expressing the emotional weight of their decision. Her brother, Barry Adelman, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the house is a fundamental part of their identity.
While the family hopes to receive assistance from FEMA, they acknowledge that it will likely not cover the full cost of reconstruction. Matteson is currently staying with her daughter as they explore the financial implications of rebuilding. Sherry Matteson, Betty’s daughter, remains optimistic. “You can’t live your life afraid of what might happen. You have to live your life the best you can,” she said, embodying the family’s resolve to overcome this challenge.
As the Matteson family weighs their options, the decision to rebuild their beloved home represents not just a financial commitment but a testament to their enduring legacy and love for the place that has held their memories for decades.