How Travis County Responded to July Flood: 911 Call Logs Reveal ‘He Used to Be So Scared’

Published: January 6, 2026 | Updated: January 6, 2026

Introduction

Nearly six months after a catastrophic flash flood swept through Travis County, claiming nine lives, the community continues to piece together the events of that terrifying day. The release of 911 call logs has provided a harrowing yet crucial window into the chaos, courage, and coordination of emergency responders. One poignant moment captured in the logs—a child’s fear echoing through a call—has become symbolic of the resilience and response efforts that followed. This article examines how Travis County’s emergency services mobilized, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned from one of the region’s most devastating natural disasters.

Key Points

Background

The July 2025 Flash Flood

In July 2025, Travis County, located in Central Texas, experienced unprecedented rainfall that led to a sudden and violent flash flood. The storm system, which developed rapidly over central Texas, dropped over 10 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Creeks and rivers, including the Colorado River and its tributaries, overflowed their banks, inundating neighborhoods, roads, and critical infrastructure.

The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings, but the speed and intensity of the water rise caught many residents off guard. The hardest-hit areas included parts of Austin, Round Rock, and several rural communities in the county.

Emergency Services in Travis County

Travis County’s emergency response system includes the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department, and numerous volunteer fire departments and EMS units. The county operates under a regional emergency management plan that coordinates resources during large-scale incidents.

Prior to the July flood, the county had conducted training exercises for flood response, but the scale of this event tested the limits of their preparedness.

Analysis

911 Call Volume and Content

The 911 call logs released by the Travis County Emergency Services Department reveal a surge in emergency calls beginning at approximately 2:30 AM on July 12, 2025. Over the next six hours, dispatchers received more than 200 calls related to flooding, including reports of people trapped in vehicles, homes surrounded by water, and downed power lines.

One particularly emotional call came from a parent reporting that their child had been swept away by floodwaters. The child was later found safe, clinging to a tree branch, but the call transcript—featuring the line “He used to be so scared”—has become a poignant reminder of the trauma experienced by families.

Response Coordination

Despite overwhelmed communication lines and damaged infrastructure, emergency responders launched a massive rescue operation. Firefighters used boats and high-water vehicles to reach stranded residents. Helicopters from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard conducted aerial searches and rescues.

The logs show that some calls were delayed due to flooded roads and communication outages, but dispatchers prioritized life-threatening situations and rerouted units as conditions changed.

Challenges Faced

Several challenges hampered the response:

• Road Closures: Major highways, including Loop 1 and TX-71, were impassable.
• Power Outages: Widespread blackouts affected communication and lighting.
• Resource Allocation: Limited boats and high-water vehicles were stretched thin.
• Information Gaps: Real-time data on water levels was inconsistent.

Community and Volunteer Efforts

In addition to official responders, community groups and volunteers played a crucial role. Local organizations such as the Red Cross, Austin Disaster Relief Network, and neighborhood associations provided shelter, food, and transportation for displaced residents.

Social media also became a vital tool, with residents using platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor to report emergencies and coordinate rescues when 911 lines were busy.

Practical Advice

For Residents: Flood Preparedness Tips

Based on lessons learned from the July flood, here are essential steps residents can take to prepare for future flooding events:

1. Stay Informed: Sign up for local weather alerts and emergency notifications.
2. Know Your Risk: Determine if your home is in a flood-prone area using FEMA flood maps.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
4. Plan Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple ways to leave your neighborhood and keep your vehicle fueled.
5. Protect Important Documents: Store copies of insurance policies, IDs, and medical records in a waterproof container.
6. Consider Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

For Communities: Building Resilience

Local governments and community leaders can enhance flood resilience by:

• Investing in improved drainage infrastructure.
• Updating emergency communication systems.
• Conducting regular disaster drills.
• Supporting community emergency response teams (CERT).
• Encouraging green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavements.

For Emergency Managers: Improving Response

The analysis of the 911 logs has prompted several recommendations for emergency management improvements:

• Expand the number of high-water rescue vehicles and boats.
• Implement redundant communication systems for 911 centers.
• Enhance real-time flood monitoring with more sensors and public dashboards.
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination protocols.
• Develop community-specific evacuation plans.

FAQ

Conclusion

The July 2025 flash flood in Travis County was a tragic event that tested the strength and coordination of emergency services and the resilience of the community. The release of 911 call logs has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced and the heroism displayed during those dark hours. While the memory of “He used to be so scared” lingers as a reminder of the human cost, it also underscores the importance of preparedness, communication, and community solidarity in the face of disaster.

As Travis County continues to recover and rebuild, the lessons learned from this event will inform better planning, stronger infrastructure, and more effective emergency responses for the future. By remembering the past, we can build a safer, more resilient community.