The flood that struck Sandy Creek, Texas, was truly a devastating event. While media coverage has been widespread and countless volunteers have poured in to assist survivors, the recovery is far from complete. From the outside, it might seem like progress is being made and that things will return to normal soon, but that’s far from the full picture. A Reddit user named LadyAtrox60 recently shared a sobering update to the r/Austin subreddit, highlighting the ongoing crisis on the ground. According to their post, Sandy Creek is in desperate need of more help. While ADRN (Austin Disaster Relief Network) is present and doing what they can, it’s reportedly operating with minimal personnel. The vast majority of coordination, logistics, and hands-on work is being carried out by local volunteers, Texas residents doing their best with limited resources.
LadyAtrox60 also noted that although a few county and Texas state officials have made appearances, their contributions have been minimal. They often stop by to ask what’s needed, offer vague promises, pose for press photos, and then leave while the real work continues without them.
The Redditor explains that Sandy Creek urgently needs skilled laborers who can take on physical recovery tasks, heavy equipment operators to manage debris, experienced site leads and foremen to direct work efficiently, and strong leaders who can step in and support efforts without ego or attitude.
They claimed that although more than ten days have passed since the disaster, some areas remain unsearched. Cleanup has begun out of sheer necessity, but it carries a horrifying risk: victims could still be trapped beneath the debris. With rubble being cleared before every area is confirmed safe, volunteers fear a missing loved one could be mistakenly hauled away with the trash.
One particularly disturbing incident described by the user involved the discovery of what appeared to be a hairless human body under debris. Volunteers followed proper protocol and contacted authorities. However, the Travis County deputy who responded allegedly acted with alarming disregard.
When informed about the possible human remains, he reportedly said, “What do you expect me to do?” before poking the body with a stick, causing it to fall apart. It was later identified as a waterlogged, hairless animal, but the response was seen as deeply unprofessional and insensitive, especially in a flood zone where people are still missing.
LadyAtrox60 emphasized that despite how it might look, most resources available in Sandy Creek are not from the government. Hot meals, clean water, tarps, and gasoline are all being supplied by individuals, small businesses, and caring strangers. Government assistance is described as nearly nonexistent. As the user plainly stated, “We need help. Real help.”
