New Mural Commemorates Historic 2013 Flood

A new mural was unveiled over the weekend at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park. Painted across the blacktop of the parking lot, the mural commemorates the historic 2013 Halloween Flood. Independent artist Alonso Estrada, who goes by the artist name ‘The Death Head,’ created the work with the help of community members who shared their experiences with him.

“Through my artwork, I’m trying to help them heal and be somebody that’s there to listen to what they’re going through,” said Estrada in an interview earlier this month.

The historic flood saw water levels rise over 40 feet, and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes. Four people lost their lives, and many more were displaced by the storm. Former resident Jo Garcia vividly remembers that night.

“I challenge you all to try to experience holding on to a three-year-old baby with one hand for hours in eight feet of water,” Garcia said. “I know [Pastor Mike Marcellus] said God knew why those people had to die, but did they really have to die this way? I don't believe that.”

Travis County Precinct Four Constable George Morales recalled how neighbors came together during the crisis.

“There was water, there was food, there was cleaning materials,” said Morales. “You realized that In the first 24 hours, it was a community response.”

Still, the floods experienced in this area aren’t a thing of the past. Resident Ana Aguirre asked that community members remember the power of Onion Creek, and to hold leaders accountable.

“Onion Creek is a monster,” Aguirre said. “There should have never been any homes built here. This could have all been avoided. Money is not ever more important than people's lives. Money is never more important than this community.”

U.S. Representative Greg Casar said work needs to be done to protect people from flooding events.

“We mourn those who are hurt and lost in the first round of Halloween floods and then the second round. And we pray for there not to be a third,” Casar said. “But we know that these 100 or 500 year floods are no longer 100 or 500 year floods.”

New data has revealed higher flooding risks for Austin. Updated rainfall information from the Atlas 14 study shows that Texas receives much higher rainfall than previously thought. Several areas that were in the lower risk 500-year floodplain are now in the 100-year flood plain. Future rainfalls could be even higher. The state’s climatologist has predicted urban flooding events could increase by 10% to 15% compared to totals from 2000 through 2018. Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, who represents the neighborhood, said she will push for flood insurance reforms.

“I hear directly from our community how difficult and challenging it is to be able to afford flood insurance,” Fuentes said. “So my commitment to you is to continue to work with our partners at the state and federal levels to ensure that we have better options.”