Homes Washed Away

Laredo, Texas, Floods: Rising Waters, Rising Displacement Risks

In September 2025, Laredo, Texas, was hit hard when a quarter of its annual rainfall—up to 10 inches—poured down in just hours, triggering flash floods and overwhelming the Rio Grande. This deluge, part of a broader wave of flooding across South Texas, has left communities reeling and raised fears of permanent displacement for many residents.

Flooding’s Toll: Temporary and Permanent Displacement

The flooding in Webb County, home to Laredo’s 255,000 residents, likely displaced 2,500–12,750 people, or 1–5% of the population, as homes and businesses were inundated. Most are temporarily displaced, seeking shelter while waters recede. However, for some—especially low-income families and renters—destroyed homes and economic barriers may prevent return, potentially adding 250–1,250 people to Laredo’s homeless population, currently estimated at 500–1,000.

This event follows Texas’s devastating July 2025 floods, which killed 135 and displaced thousands, many permanently, in Kerr County. With climate-driven disasters intensifying, Texas faces a growing displacement crisis, pushing vulnerable residents toward homelessness or relocation to other states.

Why It Matters

Laredo’s floods highlight a pattern: extreme weather is reshaping lives. As Texas grapples with rising homelessness (0.092% statewide in 2024) and annual displacement rates of 1.3–1.6%, these events strain local resources. Without swift recovery efforts, temporary displacement can become permanent, deepening inequality.

What You Can Do

Stay informed and help those affected! Follow updates from NWS or local news on X (@NWSHouston, #TXflood). Donate to relief efforts via organizations like the Red Cross or volunteer with local shelters in Laredo. Share your experiences or tips using #LaredoFlood2025 to build community support.

Sources: HUD 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Texas Gubernatorial Proclamation (Sept 2025), National Weather Service flood warnings.