Quick Action Saves Bedridden Texas Man from Flood
A Texas father was saved from rising floodwaters by his resourceful son-in-law just moments before the water could have engulfed him.
Sisto Charles, 77, found himself trapped in his San Angelo home as water began flooding in, and his family was unable to reach emergency services for assistance, according to his daughter.
“It was heartbreaking; I was in tears,” said Rachel Sanchez, who cares for her father. “I’ve lived in this house for 30 years, and it has never faced anything like this.”
The distressing incident unfolded around 4 a.m. as residents in nearby Kerr County received warnings about the rapidly rising Guadalupe River.
Floodwaters surged along the street with enough force to push a car into the Sanchez property.
“It looked just like a river,” Sanchez remarked.
In no time, the water poured into the house, reaching up to thigh-high levels.
Fearing for the safety of her husband and father, Sanchez hurriedly unplugged all electrical appliances to prevent electrocution but soon realized they needed an escape plan.
“I’m my dad’s caregiver, and my top priority was his safety. He’s bedridden and cannot walk, so I panicked,” Sanchez recounted.
Her father suffers from dementia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, while her husband is also disabled after recent ankle surgery. Both men were unable to evacuate without help.
Sanchez attempted to call 911 multiple times, only to be informed that responders were overwhelmed and could not send assistance. Eventually, her calls could not connect.
By then, the water had reached the bottom of Charles’ mattress.
It was at this critical moment that her son-in-law Robert, along with a friend named Gilbert, arrived in kayaks to rescue the entire family.
“They came through the alley. My daughter was at the other end, crying and saying, ‘Mom, we’re on our way. Grandpa will be fine.’ It was emotional,” Sanchez said, her voice trembling.
The rescuers managed to lift Charles and transport him to an ambulance stationed on higher ground—approximately six hours after the floodwater entered their home.
Fortunately, Charles was found to be in good health and is currently receiving care at a local hospital.
Sanchez expressed what would have happened if not for the timely intervention: “He would have drowned.”
Currently, Sanchez, her husband, and younger daughter are taking shelter with her older daughter and son-in-law while they await the opportunity to return home safely.
The floodwaters have since decreased, and although Sanchez intends to check on her house soon, she is uncertain of the damage.
The emotional toll is compounded by previous misfortunes, as Sanchez noted: “It’s just heartbreaking. Two years ago, my oldest daughter lost everything in a fire, and now we are in this situation. It’s overwhelming.”
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