My Visit with Survivors of the Texas Floods
Last month I joined fellow local leaders from across Western North Carolina on a visit to Kerr County, Texas, where devastating floods struck in July. We went to share lessons from our recovery after Hurricane Helene and to learn from their response.
The conversations were somber and deeply meaningful. We spoke about how recovery begins long before the next storm—through strong relationships, coordinated planning, and investing in resilience. What struck me most was that when communities share openly—about both successes and challenges—we all become stronger for the future.
Key lessons I brought home from the trip:
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Connection fuels recovery: Strong relationships speed rebuilding and save lives.
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Preparation is a mindset: Everyday resilience strengthens communities before the next storm.
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Support mental health: Disasters leave invisible damage that must be addressed alongside physical rebuilding.
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Shared knowledge multiplies impact: Learning from others prevents repeated struggles.
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Hope drives progress: Engaging residents and inspiring action strengthens both community spirit and outcomes.
Through the Western North Carolina Recovery and Resilience Partnership, with support from the American Flood Coalition, we’ll continue building connections like these to prepare our region and support communities impacted by flooding.
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