ROSENBERG, TEXAS – Fort Bend County emergency managers believe the Brazos River was cresting in Richmond around 5 p.m. at about 49.5 feet -- almost 15 feet above normal.
The rising river forced evacuations over the weekend in Richmond, Simonton and Rosenberg.
In Richmond, Mayor Evalyn Moore said she thinks about 10 homes were flooded there.
"We do have a lot of backed up water and it's going to be a big clean up task," Moore said. "Once the water comes into areas like this it holds. So it takes a lot longer for this kind of area to clean out than the river."
The Fort Bend Office of Emergency Management said it will be difficult to tell exactly how many building are flooded county wide until after the water recedes.
The river is expected to remain at it's current level for the next few days but will eventually begin to drop at the rate of about two feet a day.
Health officials are warning people to stay out of the water not only because of the dangerous current, but also because the flood water could be carrying pathogens, parasites, bacteria, sewage and submerged hazards like debris and sunken logs.
There are also concerns about wildlife like rats, snakes, and alligators flushed out by the floodwaters. That's a big worry for Ester Rubalcaba, who lives on the north bank of the river in Richmond.
"Snakes, I hope they don't come visit me."she said. "They're too close. I just saw one right there in the mud."
Rosenberg lifted a mandatory evacuation order near Simonton on Sunday, although some streets in the evacuation area remain impassable. Voluntary evacuations are still in effect for areas near the river there including in Rosenberg and Richmond.
Although the river has not risen much in 24 hours, it is important to remember that the water is moving very quickly; you can be swept away very easily and rescue will be very difficult. Erosion from the fast-moving water can cause your safe viewing area to disappear without warning.
The swollen river has also displaced snakes, alligators, rats, and fire ants, and has carried these dangerous creatures into property and homes where they were not before. Real danger exists in the flood waters also in the form of pathogens, parasites, bacteria, sewage, and submerged hazards like debris and sunken logs. Residents should use extreme caution near the river.
The sight of the river at this level is something residents may want to take in, but should only do so safely. This means not stopping on busy bridges or too close to the river's new, temporary, banks.
When river levels finally begin to drop, the same cautions about displaced insects, animals, pathogens, chemicals, and contaminants. Only return to your home once you are sure it is safe, and take safety precautions when re-entering, including wearing personal protective equipment if needed.
Hazardous chemical testing kits are commercially available and should be used when in doubt. Residents with inundated wells should contact Fort Bend County Health and Human Services to get a well testing kit and instructions.?