local
One year after deadly July 4 floods, Kerr County residents say they’re more prepared for disasters
By Sarah Grunau at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Even after seeing what can happen when the Guadalupe River swells, residents in neighborhoods hit hardest by the 2025 floods say they've never considered leaving. Miles Murayama stays for his neighbors and the usual peacefulness of the river.
Key takeaway Miles Murayama stays for his neighbors and the usual peacefulness of the river.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
For Bellaire residents, the story of Kerr County's resilience in the face of devastating floods resonates deeply, given the Houston area's own history of flooding. The fact that residents in the hardest-hit neighborhoods have chosen to stay, despite the risks, speaks to the strong sense of community that often develops in areas prone to natural disasters. In Bellaire, where flood mitigation efforts are ongoing, the experiences of neighboring communities like Kerr County can inform local approaches to disaster preparedness. The determination of residents like Miles Murayama to stay and rebuild, citing the usual peacefulness of the Guadalupe River, echoes the sentiments of many in Bellaire who value the unique character of their own community, even as they work to make it more resilient in the face of flooding. This shared sense of community and determination can help guide local decision-making on flood mitigation and emergency preparedness.
About this story
Original reporting by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Even after seeing what can happen when the Guadalupe River swells, residents in neighborhoods hit hardest by the 2025 floods say they've never considered leaving. Miles Murayama stays for his neighbors and the usual peacefulness of the river.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sarah Grunau at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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