Barry Adelman, a resident of Kerr County, Texas, has become a quiet symbol of strength and survival after one of the deadliest flash floods in the region’s history. As the Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, many homes and roads were swallowed by fast-moving waters. The sudden disaster left at least 51 people dead and dozens still missing, including 27 young girls from a summer camp. Amid the chaos, stories of personal courage and resilience emerged, and Barry Adelman’s experience stood out.
When the floodwaters surged early Friday morning, Adelman was at home with his 94-year-old grandmother and his 9-year-old grandson. With roads blocked and water levels rising rapidly, the family had little time to react. Adelman made the quick decision to move everyone into the attic, the highest point in their home. The water rushed in so quickly that escape was not possible. For hours, they waited in the cramped attic space, not knowing how high the water would rise or if help would come in time.
Adelman later recalled the fear and the pressure of remaining calm for the sake of his young grandson. “I had to stay strong for my grandson,” he said. “But I was terrified inside.” His words reflect the emotional toll that many survivors are now dealing with as the rescue and recovery operations continue. The flood destroyed homes, vehicles, and entire sections of infrastructure across Kerr County. Emergency crews are still working to reach remote areas, searching for missing people and assisting those still stranded.
As of now, more than 850 people have been rescued by teams using helicopters, drones, and boats. Search operations are being supported by the U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security, with officials like Secretary Kristi Noem visiting the affected areas and pledging federal aid. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency and designated Sunday as a day of prayer for the victims and their families. Despite the growing support, local authorities admit they were not fully prepared for the scale of the disaster. The region, known as “flash flood alley,” has faced deadly floods before, but this storm was exceptional in its intensity and speed.
Adelman’s story reflects the broader challenge of survival under unexpected and dangerous conditions. Many other residents also took extraordinary measures to protect their families. One woman described clinging to a tree with her teenage son for an hour, while others were rescued from rooftops and treetops. The campers at Camp Mystic faced terrifying moments as water poured into their cabins at night. While some were rescued by ropes and emergency teams, 27 girls remain unaccounted for.
The community response has been strong, with donations pouring in to help those displaced by the flood. Local charities, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, are coordinating relief efforts. CEO Austin Dickson emphasized the strength of the local population, noting that while the recovery will be long, the community is determined to rebuild together.
Barry Adelman, though not a public figure or widely known outside his town, represents the spirit of resilience seen in so many others affected by the flood. His quick thinking and calm under pressure helped protect his family during one of the most dangerous weather events Texas has faced in recent years. As the region moves from search to recovery, stories like Adelman’s continue to inspire others and remind the nation of the human side of natural disasters. Though he may not seek the spotlight, Barry Adelman’s actions during the Kerr County flood serve as a powerful example of courage when it was needed most.
