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They Rebuilt After Texas’ Devastating Floods. Then Their Home Flooded Again.

The post They Rebuilt After Texas’ Devastating Floods. Then Their Home Flooded Again. appeared first on ProPublica .

They Rebuilt After Texas’ Devastating Floods. Then Their Home Flooded Again.

Joan Connor and David Stearns survived the 2025 floods in Kerr County, Texas, by clinging to a pergola outside their house. Their home was destroyed by the flood, killing at least 119 people in the area. Despite their initial relief at returning to their refurbished home, Connor and Stearns experienced another flood only a year later.

The state of Texas has faced criticism for its lack of stringent building regulations, resulting in more flood deaths than any other state. Despite repeated opportunities, lawmakers have not passed laws to prevent construction in flood-prone areas or to enforce stricter building codes. As a result, homeowners like Connor and Stearns are left to bear the financial burden of rebuilding their flood-damaged homes, while the government has not taken significant action to prevent future disasters.

Written by urgent.news from ProPublica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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