Interim President Jim Davis Addresses Heartbreak and Hope After Texas Hill Country Floods Leave a Trail of Devastation and Loss
In a somber and heartfelt address, Interim President Jim Davis delivered a message that echoed across the state of Texas—a message of mourning, unity, and resilience. Following one of the most tragic natural disasters in recent memory, the catastrophic floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country left families shattered, communities submerged, and a state grappling with the magnitude of its loss. As rescue efforts continued and stories of both heartbreak and heroism emerged, Davis took to the podium to speak directly to the people of Texas and the nation.
“It’s been a tragic week in Texas,” Davis began. “We deeply mourn the loss of so many lives from the Hill Country floods and pray for all who are impacted.”
The words were simple, but the weight behind them was heavy. At the time of the address, dozens of lives had been lost, with entire neighborhoods destroyed by walls of water that overtook homes, highways, and public infrastructure in a matter of hours. The Hill Country, typically a serene and scenic region of rolling hills, spring-fed rivers, and charming small towns, had been transformed into a disaster zone.
Davis’s message resonated because it didn’t come from a place of politics or bureaucracy—it came from one of deep, human empathy. He spoke not as a distant administrator, but as a fellow Texan grieving for his state.
“I’ve spoken with first responders, local officials, and families who have lost everything,” he continued. “Their stories are harrowing—parents clinging to their children as the water rose, elderly residents rescued by neighbors in makeshift boats, entire streets where nothing remains but debris.”
Over the course of his speech, Davis painted a clear picture of the scale of destruction. Emergency responders had been working around the clock to recover those still missing, administer aid to the injured, and restore essential services to communities that had been without power or clean water for days. Hundreds of homes were washed away. Schools, churches, and small businesses—the lifeblood of rural Texas towns—were rendered unrecognizable.
And yet, amid the destruction, Davis highlighted the remarkable strength of Texans.
“This week has shown us, once again, what it means to be part of the Texas spirit,” he said. “Neighbors carrying strangers to safety, volunteers traveling from across the state to lend a hand, churches and community centers opening their doors to the displaced—this is who we are.”
He recounted a moment that particularly moved him: a young girl in Junction who, having lost her own home, organized a donation drive for others in her neighborhood. With help from her middle school classmates, she filled a church basement with water, blankets, diapers, and clothing for families who had nowhere else to go.
“That’s leadership,” Davis said with a pause. “That’s love in action.”
As the floodwaters began to recede in some areas, the attention of the state was turning toward recovery and rebuilding—a daunting task given the widespread damage. State emergency agencies were coordinating with FEMA and local governments to assess the full scope of the need. Temporary shelters were at capacity, and local hospitals—some of which had also sustained damage—were overwhelmed by injuries and trauma cases.
In the midst of these challenges, Davis made several commitments on behalf of the state’s higher education institutions and public agencies.
“We will not turn away from this tragedy, nor will we abandon our people to face it alone,” he said. “Our universities, including those directly affected, are offering housing, medical assistance, and mental health resources to displaced students and staff. Research teams are working with engineers and urban planners to understand how we can prevent disasters of this scale in the future.”
Indeed, the University of Texas system had already deployed experts in environmental science and hydrology to begin studying the storm’s impact, while social work and nursing faculty volunteered on the ground in affected towns like Llano, Marble Falls, and Fredericksburg.
But perhaps the most powerful moments of Davis’s address came when he spoke directly to those still searching for loved ones.
“To the families waiting by the phone, hoping for news of those who are missing—we see you. We grieve with you. We will not stop until every person is accounted for.”
At that point, Davis paused to wipe away a tear. The silence in the room was heavy. Everyone watching knew this wasn’t a rehearsed political moment—it was a leader sharing in the sorrow of his people.
He also addressed the role of mental health during the recovery process, an often-overlooked aspect of disaster relief.
“Trauma like this leaves deep scars,” he said. “It’s not just buildings that must be rebuilt—it’s lives, relationships, hope itself. We are working with counselors, clergy, and support services across the state to ensure that no one suffers in silence.”
His message extended beyond Texas, calling for national solidarity.
“We are Texans, but we are also Americans. And in times like these, we call on our brothers and sisters across the country to stand with us—not just in thought, but in action.”
He encouraged those watching to donate to verified disaster relief organizations, to volunteer if they could, and above all, to remember that the recovery would take months, not days.
“Don’t let the headlines fade while our people are still digging out from the mud,” he warned. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Davis concluded his address by invoking the memory of other times Texas had stood resilient in the face of tragedy—Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the West fertilizer plant explosion in 2013, the Winter Storm Uri of 2021. In each of those moments, the people had risen, stronger than before.
“This storm has taken much from us. But it has not taken our resolve,” he said, his voice steady now. “We will remember those we lost. We will rebuild for those still with us. And we will honor the spirit of Texas—unbreakable, unshakable, united.”
As he left the stage, a moment of silence was observed in honor of the victims.
In the hours that followed, the message spread rapidly. Clips were shared on social media, with comments from across the country offering support. Hashtags like #TexasStrong, #HillCountryFloods, and #WeStandWithTexas began trending. Relief efforts accelerated. Donations surged. And in the midst of overwhelming grief, a fragile sense of hope began to grow.
Because at its core, Jim Davis’s message wasn’t just about what had happened. It was about what comes next.
Yes, it’s been a tragic week in Texas. But even as waters rise and homes fall, so too does the heart of Texas rise—with courage, compassion, and a quiet, powerful determination to carry on.
That is the story Davis told. That is the story still unfolding.
