More than 100 people, including many children, were killed after flash floods rushed through Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Dozens were still missing as of Tuesday morning, according to reports.
Task force teams, including IAFF members from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Florida, were deployed to the region to search for and rescue survivors. They joined swift water rescue teams from all over the state.
“IAFF members from across the region have stepped up at a time of incredible need in Texas, bringing their training and experience to communities hit hardest by the floods,” General President Edward Kelly said. “The loss of life and the level of destruction are devastating – and my prayers are with the families and friends of those who have died and those still missing.”
IAFF members from across the region have stepped up at a time of incredible need in Texas, bringing their training and experience to communities hit hardest by the floods. The loss of life and the level of destruction are devastating – and my prayers are with the families and friends of those who have died and those still missing.
General President Edward Kelly
IAFF leaders on the ground are still assessing the floods’ impact on members, even as more rain is forecast in the region this week.
“As our members continue to respond, it may be too soon to get a complete picture of the impact this has had. However, we have received no reports of members being displaced from their homes,” 11th District Vice President Michael Glynn said. “But the IAFF is always ready to send teams to assist with any flood damage and provide financial aid and peer support as needed.”
Members who need disaster relief assistance should contact their Local president.
Weather experts say the Texas Hill Country is naturally prone to flooding as the ground is compact and does not absorb water well, especially in the summer months. As excessive rain looked more likely going into the holiday weekend, the National Weather Service was monitoring the situation. The service issued a watch and then a warning on the morning of July 4.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice told news media outlets that what was left of Tropical Storm Barry “dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both [the north and south fork of the Guadalupe River]. Within a matter of minutes, it was up to 29 feet.”
President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott both have declared states of emergency for the impacted areas, releasing federal and state resources to provide ongoing assistance.
