In a harrowing incident, a bedridden Texas father, Sisto Charles, was rescued from rising floodwaters by his determined son-in-law, Robert, just moments before the water could have overtaken his bed. The emergency struck in San Angelo around 4 a.m., a time when nearby Kerr County was already being alerted to significant surges in the Guadalupe River. Despite Charles’s critical condition—he suffers from dementia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—his family faced an uphill battle as they tried to contact emergency services. Rachel Sanchez, Charles’s daughter and primary caregiver, described a chaotic scene as floodwater began gushing into their home.
As the floodwaters rose to thigh-high levels, Sanchez frantically unplugged electrical cords, fearing for the safety of her bedridden father and her husband, who had just undergone surgery. The situation escalated quickly, and despite multiple desperate calls to 911, Sanchez was met with frustrating responses, as the emergency services were overwhelmed and ultimately unreachable. In the face of this dire situation, her panic grew, compounded by the physical limitations of her family members, which left them unable to evacuate on their own.
Moments before it was too late, Robert and his friend Gilbert arrived at the Sanchez home in kayaks, breaking through the floodwaters. Their timely intervention was crucial as the water level had risen alarmingly close to Charles’ mattress. Sanchez described the emotional reunion, highlighting the tears and urgency she felt as her daughter reassured her from the end of the alley that help was on the way. The coordination of the rescue was a small beacon of hope amidst the chaos, illustrating how critical timing and community support can define life-and-death situations during disasters.
After a tense rescue operation lasting about six hours, both Charles and his family were able to reach safety. They transported him to an ambulance situated on higher ground, where he was assessed and found to be in good health. Sanchez expressed gratitude for Robert and Gilbert’s quick thinking, stating plainly that without their help, the outcome could have been tragic. The family shared an emotional moment of relief amidst the distress, but the reality of the flood’s impact loomed over them as they faced a significant loss.
As the waters receded, Sanchez and her family found themselves in limbo. They were staying with an older daughter and her husband, forced to relocate in the wake of the flooding. This displacement was especially poignant considering the family had recently endured another disaster—a fire that claimed everything for her oldest daughter just two years prior. Their current situation not only reflects the challenges of the flood but also highlights the emotional toll of repeated tragedies within a short span of time.
In trying to process the aftermath, Sanchez looked ahead with uncertainty about the state of their home and belongings. The family’s resilience shines through in the way they are leaning on each other during this difficult period, but the emotional weight of their misfortunes is palpable. As they anticipate returning to their flood-stricken home, the immediate concern continues to focus on health and safety, while the long-term effects of their losses begin to settle in.
