Searching for Grandma Alicia after Texas floods
Alicia then returned to the small community of Hunt, on the banks of the river where she lived with her 70-year-old husband, Jose Olvera, for two decades.
She was there in the early hours of Friday, July 4, when heavy rains caused the river to burst its banks, sweeping everything away and killing at least 100 people. More than 160 are still missing.
When her relatives heard the news, they called her but to no avail. So they launched a search mission.
They navigated blocked roads and were finally able to reach Alicia's house on Saturday morning.
Everything was covered in mud. The pool where Javier, 24, used to play with his cousins was a swamp, while the house was surrounded by mud several meters high.
While digging, the first person they found was Jose, Alicia's husband.
"He was buried in the mud, next to a truck. We pulled him out, but he was no longer alive. He was next to a boy and a girl," who had been swept away by the current, Javier explained.
At the site, the family placed three wooden crosses and set up a small altar. But there was no sign of "Grandma."
"We're still searching for my mother. We've been searching since Saturday and haven't had any results," said Angelica Torres, 48, Alicia's daughter.
"We're talking to the community if they can send us more help because that's what we want most: to find her. I'd like her alive, but at this point, we've lost hope."
Neighbors of Camp Mystic
Alicia's home is a five-minute drive from Camp Mystic, the summer camp that was devastated by the flood, and where 27 of the 750 girls camping there lost their lives.
On Tuesday, the belongings the girls left behind had been neatly placed at the doors of each cabin at the camp.
Military helicopters were still flying overhead while authorities visited the camp.
The official rescue effort has been reinforced by volunteers.
Brett Lang arrived at Alicia's house with his three search dogs, combing the area for any traces. Unfortunately, there were no signs.
Meanwhile, just as they were together for her birthday, Alicia's children, and their children's children, gather to dig through every inch of earth to find their grandmother.
From this house, her children always left happy and well-fed.
"We felt very comfortable when we came here. She loved to cook, we always spent time eating, and she wanted to make her tamales the whole time we came," said Angelica.
Alicia's daughter gathers the strength in the face of what seems inevitable.
"I've talked to her a lot, telling her that we love her, we always threw her a party...I want to find her, even if she's different now, but I want to have her there for what comes next, as God intended. I ask God for that miracle."
© 2025 AFP
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France 24
3 days ago
- France 24
Searching for Grandma Alicia after Texas floods
Alicia Olvera turned 68 two weeks ago. Her eight children, 25 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren threw her a party at her daughter's house near Austin, the state capital of Texas. Alicia then returned to the small community of Hunt, on the banks of the river where she lived with her 70-year-old husband, Jose Olvera, for two decades. She was there in the early hours of Friday, July 4, when heavy rains caused the river to burst its banks, sweeping everything away and killing at least 100 people. More than 160 are still missing. When her relatives heard the news, they called her but to no avail. So they launched a search mission. They navigated blocked roads and were finally able to reach Alicia's house on Saturday morning. Everything was covered in mud. The pool where Javier, 24, used to play with his cousins was a swamp, while the house was surrounded by mud several meters high. While digging, the first person they found was Jose, Alicia's husband. "He was buried in the mud, next to a truck. We pulled him out, but he was no longer alive. He was next to a boy and a girl," who had been swept away by the current, Javier explained. At the site, the family placed three wooden crosses and set up a small altar. But there was no sign of "Grandma." "We're still searching for my mother. We've been searching since Saturday and haven't had any results," said Angelica Torres, 48, Alicia's daughter. "We're talking to the community if they can send us more help because that's what we want most: to find her. I'd like her alive, but at this point, we've lost hope." Neighbors of Camp Mystic Alicia's home is a five-minute drive from Camp Mystic, the summer camp that was devastated by the flood, and where 27 of the 750 girls camping there lost their lives. On Tuesday, the belongings the girls left behind had been neatly placed at the doors of each cabin at the camp. Military helicopters were still flying overhead while authorities visited the camp. The official rescue effort has been reinforced by volunteers. Brett Lang arrived at Alicia's house with his three search dogs, combing the area for any traces. Unfortunately, there were no signs. Meanwhile, just as they were together for her birthday, Alicia's children, and their children's children, gather to dig through every inch of earth to find their grandmother. From this house, her children always left happy and well-fed. "We felt very comfortable when we came here. She loved to cook, we always spent time eating, and she wanted to make her tamales the whole time we came," said Angelica. Alicia's daughter gathers the strength in the face of what seems inevitable. "I've talked to her a lot, telling her that we love her, we always threw her a party...I want to find her, even if she's different now, but I want to have her there for what comes next, as God intended. I ask God for that miracle." © 2025 AFP
France 24
5 days ago
- France 24
Rescuers on horseback, with dogs search for Texas flood victims
Rescuers in inflatable motorboats also searched Monday for bodies near Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, where 27 campers and counselors died after being swept away by floodwaters. Another team collected the children's belongings from flooded cabins marked by mud lines exceeding five feet (1.5 meters) high. About 30 volunteers on horseback, many wearing cowboy hats, joined mounted police from Austin to support rescue efforts in four towns along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Michael Duncan, 55, rode Ranger, his dark brown horse, along the river, supporting rescue efforts that have deployed hundreds of searchers along several miles of the waterway. "Obviously (on horseback)... we can gain more ground. We can get to some areas where people can't get to as easy," Duncan told AFP. The horses easily navigate the hilly terrain, undergrowth and debris left behind after the rain-swollen floodwaters receded. Perched atop Ranger, Duncan said that the "height advantage" allowed him to scan across the mounds of debris. Volunteers on foot also scoured the area, detecting foul odours from undergrowth that could indicate decomposing animals or human remains. They dug through earth piled near trees, using pointed sticks to probe mounds for any signs of bodies. During their search, they found children's swimming goggles and a football. 'Emotional debt' Tom Olson, a rescue dog trainer, deployed his eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, Abby, to assist the search. Olson, 55, compared the dog's search abilities to a useful tool, "just like underwater sonar boats, drone, aircraft." "The dog will be able to rapidly find a potential victim... lowering the risk to the people that are out here actually trying to do the search and rescue," he told AFP. Olson said the work to recover victims' bodies involved "a mental debt" and "emotional debt" but was necessary to bring "closure to the families that lost (people), as well as closure for the rescuers." Electric company crews also worked to restore power poles and cables destroyed by the floods as the Guadalupe River receded to its normal course. Duncan, the mounted volunteer, said the searches filled him with "a lot of sadness" but added: "It's also great to see how many people come out... and most everybody is doing this for free. "That's pretty inspiring to see."
Sustainability Times
28-06-2025
- Sustainability Times
'These Kids Read in 6 Months': This Elementary Teacher's Shocking Method Defies 30 Years of Reading Education Norms
IN A NUTSHELL 📚 Revolutionary Method: David El Kassah's approach teaches children to read in six to ten months by blending syllabic methods, sensory aids, and play. David El Kassah's approach teaches children to read in six to ten months by blending syllabic methods, sensory aids, and play. 🔍 Structured Progression: The method uses a clear, step-by-step process involving tactile letters and phonemic gestures to move from letters to sentences. The method uses a clear, step-by-step process involving tactile letters and phonemic gestures to move from letters to sentences. 💬 Parental Involvement: Active family participation through home-based resources and daily practice is crucial to the method's success. Active family participation through home-based resources and daily practice is crucial to the method's success. 🌍 Debate and Impact: The approach sparks discussions on educational equity, challenging traditional views on early childhood reading instruction. In recent years, a revolutionary approach to early childhood education has emerged, captivating educators and parents alike with its promise to teach children as young as four years old to read fluently within just six to ten months. This groundbreaking method has been spearheaded by David El Kassah, a dedicated schoolteacher who has blended various proven techniques to create a structured and effective learning experience for young minds. As we delve into the intricacies of this method, we will explore the key components that make it successful and the impact it has had on both students and their families. Breaking the Mold: A Teacher's Innovative Method David El Kassah has challenged traditional educational paradigms with his innovative method that enables children to read in as little as six to ten months. His approach is a carefully curated blend of various educational strategies, including the syllabic method, sensory aids, and interactive storytelling. By synthesizing these elements, El Kassah has crafted a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that captivates young learners. 'I haven't invented anything new,' El Kassah insists. 'I've spent years observing what works, from the syllabic method to Montessori-inspired sensory materials. The key is to anchor these concepts in pleasure, fiction, and play.' His method has garnered attention and admiration from educators across the region, as it consistently yields impressive results within the first few months of implementation. 'Russia on High Alert': Lockheed's Groundbreaking Weapon Propels U.S. Military Power to Unprecedented Global Dominance Structured Progression: From Letters to Sentences The foundation of El Kassah's method is a meticulously structured progression that begins with simple sounds and gradually advances to reading full sentences. This approach employs a variety of multisensory tools, such as tactile letters and phonemic gestures. By incorporating fictional characters, like those from the Alphas method, the learning process becomes both engaging and memorable for children. Phase Estimated Duration Targeted Skills Months 1-2 2 months Vowel recognition, associated gestures, tactile letters Months 3-5 3 months Syllable fusion, sound games, first word reading Months 6-8 3 months Fluent reading of simple sentences, oral comprehension Months 9-10 2 months Diverse sound complexities, reading aloud The results speak for themselves. Data collected from pilot schools indicate that 87% of students can read simple words by the end of the sixth month. This impressive achievement highlights the efficacy of combining syllabic methods with visual aids and fictional narratives. 'World's Oldest Cat Drank Red Wine': This Bizarre Feline Habit Stuns Vets and Redefines Everything We Thought About Animal Longevity A Method That Divides Opinions While many educators applaud the return to structured syllabic methods, there are concerns about the potential social inequalities that may arise from teaching children to read before the age of five. The debate is particularly heated on educational forums, as the method demands resources and family involvement that may not be accessible to all. Parents of children who have thrived under El Kassah's tutelage are vocal about the method's positive impact. Many have collaborated to create home-based resources that complement the classroom experience. The active participation of families in reinforcing learning through play and daily practice is crucial to the method's success. 'China Unleashes Flying Bike': Futuristic Hoverbike Hits 44.7 MPH and Flies 31 Miles in Shocking Public Debut Essential Ingredients for Success Clear Structuring: Progression from letters to sounds, then to words and sentences. Progression from letters to sounds, then to words and sentences. Multisensory Supports: Tactile letters, gestures, and illustrated stories. Tactile letters, gestures, and illustrated stories. Short, Regular Sessions: Just 10 to 15 minutes daily, according to the teacher. Just 10 to 15 minutes daily, according to the teacher. Family Involvement: Through games, read-aloud sessions, and constant encouragement. Through games, read-aloud sessions, and constant encouragement. Appropriate Tools: Such as the Alphas characters or Apili challenges. Inspired by well-established principles—tactile letters from Montessori, scientifically tested syllabic methods—this pedagogical fusion seems to trigger a shift. Not in the complexity of skills acquired, but in the speed at which reading autonomy is achieved. As educational methods continue to evolve, the debate surrounding early childhood reading instruction intensifies. El Kassah's method, with its blend of traditional and innovative techniques, challenges us to reconsider what is possible in early education. As more families and educators embrace this method, the question remains: how can we ensure that all children, regardless of background, have access to these transformative learning opportunities? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
