FLOOD VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

  

On Thursday, May 26, 2016, a major storm system struck Washington County with high winds and torrential rainfall resulting in major flooding and damage throughout the area. There have been reports that Washington County received between 17 and 22 inches of rain in just a few hours. Numerous water rescues have been conducted in the city and county and as of this release, most, if not all have been terminated.  Sadly our county reports that four people lost their lives due to the floodwaters and with the bodies of all recovered.

Lela Holland, age 64, of Washington, Texas died when flood waters overtook her residence as attempts to rescue her were unsuccessful. Jimmy Wayne Schaeffer, age 49, of Brenham died when he drove his pickup truck into high water.  Witnesses stated that he was able to get into the truck bed; however, he was swept away by the rising waters.  His body was recovered in the vicinity of Prairie Hill Road and Kuykendall Creek.  A third body was recovered this morning off SH105 and Kuykendall Creek.  That victim was identified as Darren Charles Mitchell, 21, a National Guardsman of Navasota, Texas.  The body of Pyarali Rajebhi Umatiya, age 59, of College Station, Texas was recovered Saturday afternoon from Yegua Creek near FM50.  Umatiya was last seen at approximately 6:45 a.m. Friday morning near FM50 and Devault Lane where his vehicle stalled in high water.

Fifty-eight county roads are currently closed due to water or damage. Several bridges and culverts sustained significant damage and are out as well.  Due to the road closures, an unknown number of residents are isolated at this time and approximately 2,000 residents are without electricity.  Bluebonnet Electric is unable to repair some areas as they are inaccessible.  As of this morning, the water level at Lake Somerville was at 259.23.  A visual observation by a Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft today has confirmed that water is spilling several feet over the spillway and into Yegua Creek. The action of this water will further efforts to re-open roadways and will continue to threaten that section of our county.

Washington County Road and Bridge, TXDOT, and the Washington County Emergency Management office will continue to monitor road and weather conditions, the lake level and provide status updates as needed. Assisting in the search and rescue operations, as well as handling all other essential needs of law enforcement and our citizens since this event began were Washington County E.M.S./Water Rescue, numerous Texas Task Force water squads, Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers, Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens along with their aircraft, Washington County 911 Dispatch Office, and the Citizens on Patrol.  Also assisting by providing equipment and other needs were our local volunteer fire department officials and their families.

Both Sheriff Otto Hanak and State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst took part in search and rescue operations and have met victims’ families. At present, there are approximately 20 occupants being sheltered at the Brenham Fireman’s Training Center, however, there are plans to close it later today if possible.  Emergency calls in which first responders can gain access to will be responded to as needed.

“Our prayers go out to the families of these flood victims,” said Kolkhorst. “The floods have been devastating to life and property as I viewed both Burleson and Washington Counties from the DPS aircraft this afternoon.  We owe a great deal of gratitude to first responders, law enforcement, city, county road and bridge staffs along with TXDOT personnel who have worked tirelessly since Thursday afternoon.  I urge extreme caution to everyone traveling on roadways until repairs can be made which days and even weeks.  We must exercise caution and patience because we have already lost too many lives.”

Sheriff Hanak stated that county and state roadway officials are aware of damage to roadways and roadway structure and will work until all roads are open and safe to travel. For those without power, please remain patient as the power companies are also working day and night to regain power for your residences and businesses. As Senator Kolkhorst stated, Sheriff Hanak also asks our citizens to be careful and to remain patient while traveling throughout our county.  Lastly, Sheriff Hanak would like to thank those that have made calls, sent texts or email, or have made personal visits to members of our community and offered assistance.

Story and photo courtesy of: Washington County Sheriff's Office