Clinging to a tree, and praying: how a family survived the Texas flash floods

Published on July 9, 2025

Title: A Family's Miraculous Survival in Texas Flash Floods - The Power of Human Resilience

In Kerr County, Texas, a family faced an unimaginable ordeal when they found themselves clinging to a tree and praying for their lives during the devastating flash floods that hit the area on July 4th. Taylor Bergmann, who considers Erin Burgess as his mother after she took him in years ago, was awakened by her frantic screams of "It's flooding! It's flooding!" Little did he know that this common warning for their region would soon turn into a life-threatening reality.

As the Guadalupe River across the street from Burgess and Bergmann's home broke through its glass doors, they were faced with rising water levels in their kitchen. Appliances like refrigerators and other furniture became "Jenga pieces" as the floodwaters moved them around. The situation quickly escalated when a large kitchen island flipped upside down, trapping Burgess and her boyfriend in their bedroom.

With no time to waste, Bergmann made the difficult decision to get everyone on the roof of the house. However, he believed that Burgess would not be able to make it due to her physical limitations. Despite his concerns, they managed to push a refrigerator out of the way and reunite with each other just in time before the water reached dangerous levels.

This harrowing experience highlights the power of human resilience during times of crisis. The family's ability to think quickly on their feet and make tough decisions ultimately saved them from certain death. It also serves as a reminder that even though flash flood warnings are common in this region, one should never underestimate the potential severity of such events.

Looking back at historical data, we can see that Texas has experienced several devastating flash floods over the years. This incident adds another chapter to this unfortunate narrative but also offers hope for those who may find themselves in similar situations in the future. By learning from these experiences and implementing better preparedness measures, communities across Texas can work towards minimizing the impact of such disasters on their lives.

In conclusion, Taylor Bergmann's miraculous survival story during the Texas flash floods is a testament to human resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. It serves as an important lesson for us all - to never take warnings lightly and always be prepared for the unexpected.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/07/09/nx-s1-5461068/clinging-to-a-tree-and-praying-how-a-family-survived-the-texas-flash-floods) #clinging

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