“We have almost 2 and half feet of water, all types of sludge went through the house,” Melodi Phillips said.
EVERMAN, Texas — Every time it rains it worries people who live near Chambers Creek in Everman, Texas. In most cases, the creek is always shallow. But when it rains it’s an entirely different story.
Chambers Creek runs behind Melodi Phillips’ mother’s house. In the 20-plus years living on Christie Avenue, it’s run over its banks about five times. During the most recent heavy rain overnight, flood water from the creek ended up inside.
“When she sees clouds in the sky, living in Everman she gets scared,” Melodi Phillips said, “We have almost 2 and half feet of water, all types of sludge went through the house.”
Melodi’s family spent Sunday afternoon sweeping water out of the house. They have flood-soaked rugs, wet furniture and filthy water from the creek soaked everything in its path. They put a lot of her mother’s belongings in the front yard to dry out in the sun.
During the height of the storm, Everman PD knocked on the door fearing Melodi’s mother was inside the house alone and possibly injured from the rushing waters. But officers eventually learned she was in the hospital where Melodi broke the news to her mother about the heavy rain.
“When she heard that all her vitals started spiking,” said Melodi Phillips, “She says I know what that means. We could possibly flood again ’cause she’s had a ride out on a boat she’s had to have a police escort her so that’s a constant reminder of how she trauma.”
Many of her neighbors had left their car doors also airing out their flooded cars. Oscar Sanchez has six flooded cars, so he owns a wet vac.
“We have vacuumed three or four times, come back and vacuum them again because we get more water,” Sanchez said.
He and many of his neighbors are hoping that the City of Everman will do something about Chambers Creek flooding during heavy downpours. But he believes their cries for help have been in vain. He hopes to get the attention of Tarrant County Commissioners or even state leaders.
“I am okay,” said Sanchez, “But some of my neighbors have lost everything. Something needs to be done. Someone should care about what’s happening on our street.”
The Red Cross set up a shelter in Everman for people flooded out of their homes or in need of services. The shelter has cots and blankets set up for families who don’t want to risk sleeping at home with things like wet floors and dampened carpeting.
Adolph Aguirre serves as the Executive Director for the American Red Cross DFW Metro West Chapter. He and a team of volunteers set up at the civic center in Everman first thing Sunday morning.
“We have snacks, drinks, and will serve dinner tonight,” said Adolph Aguirre, “So they don’t have to worry about their immediate circumstances. They can just rest and collect themselves.”
Flood victims say bouncing back from flooding isn’t easy, especially when rain is in the forecast again real soon.
If you would like to help those who have been impacted by the storms and floods click here.