BEAUMONT, Texas — Kirbyville Auction Barn owner Jeff Muckleroy is preparing to reopen after the livestock at his barn were flooded out of their home when six feet of rapid flood waters filled the space.
It caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Muckleroy says this is not the first time he's had to deal with damage to his business.
"This is probably number seven, maybe six, over the past 25 or 30 years," he said.
With the help of first responders, Muckleroy safely rescued over a dozen livestock by boat. Bringing each animal to safety one at a time.
"First flood we ever experienced where there wasn't much warning. We got 16 inches right here. Anytime it rains that much it doesn't take very long for the water to come up," Muckleroy told 12News.
When the water receded the next day it revealed the aftermath of the flooding.
"Not counting the loss of business, I would say anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 worth of damage," said Muckleroy.
A tractor and welding machine were damaged beyond repair and all of the office electronics along with over three years worth of paper records were destroyed.
"All we can do now is just start over. But thank the lord we didn't lose any people or animals," Muckleroy said.
Muckleroy tells 12News he is blessed the main components of running an auction remain intact
"The PA system, the scales we salvaged. We did get them cleaned up. So they're fine to go. That would have been big if we would have lost them," he said.
When asked about the structural integrity of the barn Muckleroy said there are "no worries."
"It's all brick and mortar, no sheetrock. Very little wood. This isn't the first flood it's been through," he said.
Muckleroy says he's anticipating a busy weekend as the barn reopens.
"We'll be up and running. Fully functional. We'll have 500-600 cattle. A couple hundred goats and sheep. A handfull of hogs and some horses," he told 12News.
Muckleroy graciously thanks the entire community and first responders for making it possible.
"That just shows you the heart of the community. It's awesome!"
The State of Texas is still asking people whose homes and property were damaged in last weeks storms to report it to the Texas Division of Emergency Management's ISTAT system here.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.