A catastrophic flood in Kerr County, Texas, and surrounding areas along the Guadalupe River has led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage. Torrential rain dumped 1.8 trillion gallons of water on the area. As a result, in only 45 minutes, the river rose 26 feet (8 meters). As rescue operations continue, the community mourns over 90 reported deaths, including several children who were attending Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old all-girls nondenominational Christian institution.
The flooding has completely changed this beautiful area, many locals sharing heartbreaking stories of losing each of their homes and everything in them. “We lost all of it,” said a long-time resident of the community who asked to not be named. “It feels unreal. One moment you have a home, and the next, it’s all gone.” This feeling has been reverberated all over Kerr County, as families are still grappling with the loss of their loved ones.
In the wake of this tragedy, Dr. Christina Propst, a pediatrician previously employed by Blue Fish Pediatrics, ignited an even bigger controversy with her Twitter thread. The public response to her statements has been fierce. Dr. Propst went beyond insensitive and made some shameful comments about the flood that rightfully outraged everyone. In her post, she stated, “Kerr county Maga voted to gut Fema. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for,” followed by a condescending remark, “May all visitors, children, non-Maga voters and pets be safe and dry.”
Additionally, Dr. Propst’s comments came at the height of insensitivity. They were created just days after torrential floodwaters inundated Hill Country towns along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Rest assured, AMG, you were not the only ones who shrieked in horror at her statement. All of this misses the real human pain and devastation, they argued.
In reaction to the taxpayer outrage that ensued, Blue Fish Pediatrics published an apology statement, condemning Dr. Propst’s comments. The pediatrician’s comments are contrary to the values and mission of our organization.
“We strongly condemn the comments that were made in that post. That post does not reflect the values, standards or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs,” – Blue Fish Pediatrics.
Just a little while later, Blue Fish Pediatrics announced that Dr. Propst is no longer employed by their organization.
“We were made aware of a social media comment from one of our physicians. The individual is no longer employed by Blue Fish Pediatrics,” – Blue Fish Pediatrics.
The ramifications from this offensive incident go far beyond one appointed official’s remarks. Memorial Hermann Health System released a statement denouncing the public rhetoric employed by Dr. Propst.
“We … strongly condemn these statements … [and] we have zero tolerance for such rhetoric which does not reflect the mission, vision or values of our system,” – Memorial Hermann.
As recovery efforts persist, the community is still looking toward healing and rebuilding. Local organizations and residents recently rallied to donate dozens of microwaves to housewarming efforts for migrant families displaced by the flood. Thousands of supporters have launched relief funds and donation drives to provide homes, medical care and other welfare for families in crisis.
The flood’s devastating repercussions have ignited an already bubbling discourse surrounding climate change and disaster preparedness here in Texas. Critics say that recent moves by former President Trump’s administration, including cutting any reference to the climate crisis from federal conversations, risk deepening the dangers on our most vulnerable communities to extreme weather events.