Search for flood survivors in Texas is intensifying
The search for Texas flood survivors has intensified as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for counties near Texas.
At least 70 people, including at least 21 children, died as a result of flash floods in Texas after the Guadalupe River north of San Antonio ran through the banks.
The search for the victim intensified on June 6 as 11 children and a camp counselor remained missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian girl’s camp at the edge of the river.
The National Weather Service said Kerr County, located in Texas Hill Country, was flooded by up to 15 inches of rain caused by severe thunderstorms — half of the area’s total is seen in a year. The Guadalupe River rose over 26 feet in just 45 minutes, Weather.com reported.
The area is known for being particularly vulnerable to floods, earning the nickname “Flash Flood Alley” and has experienced several major flood events over the past 20 years.
President Donald Trump said in a statement Sunday that he signed a massive disaster declaration in Kerr County a few days after struck Texas Hill Country.
It remains unknown how many people in the community along Guadalupe are missing in total. Local officials say thousands of people have come out of town to celebrate the July 4th weekend.
This is how you can help.
How to help the aftermath of floods in Texas
Red Cross
According to X’s post, the Red Cross has opened shelters in affected areas and in two reunification centres.
The organization makes donations on its website.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit founded by chef Jose Andres, deployed in Texas on July 4th.
The organization provided food to campers who were stuck in Campra Junta, where they had since evacuated, according to the X-mail on July 4th.
WCK receives donations on its website.
Carr County Relief Fund
The Texas Hill Country Community Foundation has launched the Carr County Flood Relief Fund.
The fund will provide assistance to Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Centrepoint and vetted organizations of comfort, which provide rescue, relief and recovery efforts and flood assistance, according to the foundation.
The fund accepts donations on its website.
Austin Pet Alive!
Austin Animal Shelter reported that as of July 5, it had ingested more than 50 animals from Kerr and Williamson County.
In an update on July 6th, the shelter said it was coordinating a volunteer search and rescue group to find animals along the riverbank. The shelter also said it is seeking donations to provide support to families who have lost their pets, including physical recovery and cremation services.
The shelter accepts donations on its website.
gofundme
The crowdfunding website GoFundMe has a page of verified fundraisers related to flooding in central Texas.
According to GoFundMe, the page will be updated once the fundraiser is verified.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army KROC Center in Kerrville has coordinated and accepted donations of perishable products, personal hygiene products, diapers and other items while providing regular updates to its Instagram page.
According to a July 5 statement, the Salvation Army in Texas also deployed a mobile kitchen and team.
“The community was woken up to celebrate the July 4th holiday, but suddenly faced a historic and tragic flood,” said Major Phil Swiers of the Salvation Army in Kerrville. “The Salvation Army is here to help and support those affected by this disaster.”
Contributors: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Susan Miller, Christopher Cann, Kathryn Palmer, USA Today
