LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – Those living in the New River Lake estates neighborhood off County Road 2166 said their homes and properties were destroyed in recent floods.
Angie Yarbrough said the water has been standing since April 29. Neighbors have been living without power and water ever since the neighborhood turned into an island.
Yarbrough and her follow neighbors can only access their homes by boat.
“I’ve never seen anything like this, and this river has taken so much this time. So much of our road. Probably 250 feet of our road,” Yarbrough said.
Homes were seen submerged in water and cars had floated away. Neighbors were told it could take weeks for the water to go down.
“Some people have lost everything they’ve ever owned,” Yarbrough said.
Neighbors said the animals are also taking the wrath of the high water. A bull and cattle were seen standing on the only dry piece of land in sight. A group of dogs were seen on a deck of a home that was surrounded by water.
“People are trying to come in with dog food, trying to feed these animals but it’s still a desperate situation. They can’t get off of these porches they can’t go anywhere to go to the bathroom. It’s like being in prison,” Yarbrough said.
Yarbrough also said the conditions are increasingly becoming dangerous for the animals.
“We’re getting concerned about some of the dogs they’re beginning to group up and have a pact mentality I understand from one of the neighbors that the dogs ganged up together and killed another dog,” she added.
The area is prone to flooding. Harvey washed away roads so bad that neighbors were given buyout options. Some took it and moved on, but many stayed, like Yarbrough. She fears her peaceful and quiet spot on the river, is at risk of no longer existing if more floods happen.
“We’ve recovered from may floods before, we recovered from Harvey, it wasn’t this devastating, and the county repaired the small area of road that was damaged, and life went on,” Yarbrough said. “After these years, the floods keep getting worse and worse. I’m throwing in the towel. I’m giving up my fight. I’m going to leave this place. A wonderful life here, but I can’t stay. I can’t stay anymore. My whole life is here. My dad built my house, but I can’t do it anymore.”
KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel spoke with County Commissioner Greg Arthur on the phone. Arthur said he is going to be in the neighborhood Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning to assess the flooding.
Arthur said the county will be doing its best to build a road that will allow neighbors access to their homes. He said the water levels will play a factor in how soon a road can be built.
The Livingston County Sheriff Animal Investigator is expected to be in the neighborhood Wednesday morning to check on the animals. KPRC 2 has been in contact with SPCA who said they are looking into our request to see if they will be providing assistance. The Red Cross was seen passing out water and supplies to neighbors on Tuesday.