By Ray Birch
KERRVILLE, Texas— Torrential rain pummeled central Texas on Independence Day, dumping more than a month’s worth of rainfall in some areas and triggering deadly flash floods. In the aftermath, early reports show credit unions are once again stepping up to help their members and communities recover from a natural disaster.
At least 100 people, including 27 children, have been confirmed dead, according to news reports, as floodwaters destroyed homes, swept away vehicles, and left widespread devastation in their wake. So far, reports indicate no credit union offices have been damaged.
Kerr County bore the brunt of the flooding, as heavy rain on July 4 quickly overwhelmed the Guadalupe River. Within hours, the river surged more than 20 feet at multiple points as it barreled downstream toward Kerrville, a city of 24,000. South-central Texas faced another threat of excessive rainfall on Monday, raising the risk of renewed flooding, as search efforts for the missing entered a fourth day.
While first responders worked through the nights, the $155-million Kerr County FCU was equally committed—providing vital support to keep emergency crews going strong.
The credit union set up a food line with the help of staff and donations from the community (see photo below).
The credit union collected 450 baked potatoes and fixings, 100 pounds of brisket and 200 pounds of pulled pork.
Sandy Lumbley, KCFCU president and CEO, reported the CU’s offices were not harmed, and staff and volunteers were not directly impacted from the flooding.
However, Lumbley said CU members have lost relatives, friends and property.
She emphasized KCFCU is on “high alert” and will be assisting members with needs through loan exceptions, emergency loans and more.
Lumbley added that many here have lost everything and the credit union is handing out gift cards so people can buy clothing and food.
Working Non-Stop
In Live Oak, Texas, the $18.5-billion Randolph-Brooks FCU told CUToday.info the organization has worked non-stop since this disaster unfolded to build a comprehensive response plan to assist both employees and members who may have been affected.
“We have encouraged our staff to engage with our Employee Assistance Program and the RBFCU Foundation for emotional and financial support,” said Sal Guerrero, VP of communications and public relations. “We are also here to help our members in any way and encourage them to reach out if they need assistance. We are prepared with consumer relief loans, and options for deferred payments on loans, and waivers on early withdrawal fees on certificates for members impacted.”
RBFCU is making $100,000 in donations to support the Central Texas Flooding Efforts, including $25,000 each to Cross Kingdom Church, Kerr Country Flood Relief, Texas Search and Rescue and the Salvation Army.
Fortunately for the credit union, which has many offices in affected areas, no branches have experienced any physical damage from the floods, and its locations remain open.
“At this time, we are not aware of any employees who have been directly affected by the floods,” said Guerrero. “However, we are actively monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist our staff should they or their family members need help in the days and weeks to come.”
Guerrero added that the scope of the impact to the CU’s membership throughout the region is still unclear.
“However, we know that a natural disaster of this magnitude will have significant short- and long-term impacts,” he said.
NCUA Action
NCUA Monday said it is monitoring the situation closely and has resources available to help impacted credit unions. The agency said examiners have been working to stay in contact with credit unions in the affected areas, determine their status, and offer assistance as needed. Credit unions needing assistance should contact their regional offices, NCUA added.
NCUA stated the agency will, when necessary:
- Encourage credit unions to make prudent loans with special terms and reduced documentation to affected members
- Reschedule routine examinations of affected credit unions
- Guarantee lines of credit for credit unions through the Share Insurance Fund
- Make loans to meet the liquidity needs of member credit unions through the Central Liquidity Facility
Credit union members with questions about insurance coverage can find information online, or they may contact NCUA’s Consumer Assistance Center at 800-755-1030, the agency said.
OCC Action
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Monday said it is allowing national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches to close offices in areas of Texas affected by flooding.
However, the OCC added that it expects that only those bank offices directly affected by potentially unsafe conditions will close.
“Those offices should make every effort to reopen as quickly as possible to address the banking needs of their customers,” the OCC stated.