Officials say at least 79 people were killed in the flooding in Central Texas.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — A disaster declaration has been issued in the Texas Hill Country following a deadly flash flooding event early Friday morning, and many North Texans are on their way to help.
Officials confirmed that at least 79 people were killed as a result of the flooding in Central Texas.
To help with recovery efforts, the Fort Worth Fire Department said 17 of its firefighters were deployed to help with the flooding in Central Texas.
“These highly trained professionals are part of specialized teams dedicated to rescue and recovery efforts in times of crisis. They join teams including: Texas A&M Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2 and #TIFMAS,” the department said in a social media post. “Our hearts are broken as we attempt to process the magnitude of this tragedy. Our prayers go out to all those affected by this disaster — to the victims, the families of the missing, and the countless first responders working tirelessly around the clock.”
The city of Denton said it’s sending a six-person crew with one boat to Kerrville as part of the Texas Swift Water Task Force.
Texans on Mission, a Dallas-based nonprofit, is also sending along volunteers to help clean out flooded homes.
“We’re not sure at this point how many teams will be needed, but they’re all lined up to go, including feeding, flood recovery and shower/laundry,” Texans on Mission said in a statement.
Dallas Fire-Rescue has also deployed its “water squad,” consisting of five members and a squad leader. They are headed to Kerrville to help with equipment supplied by Texas Task Force 1.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said the city has deployed two teams to the Texas Task Force, a total of 17 personnel from divers to swift water team members.
“We have Fort Worth families impacted specifically by missing girls at Camp Mystic. Praying for our first responders,” Mayor Parker wrote on X.
The city of Arlington said on Saturday that four members of the Arlington Fire Department were deploying as part of a Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System team to assist first responders in the area.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson released the following statement on the floods:
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the disastrous flooding in Kerr County. The reports we are seeing — especially about missing children, including some from Dallas — are gut-wrenching. We are sending a Dallas Fire-Rescue squad to assist. I am in awe of all the first responders working under dangerous conditions to reunite families and loved ones, and I am praying for everyone’s safety.”
The Bedford Fire Department confirmed that four of its firefighters are also joining rescue efforts in Kerrville.
“The City of Bedford is proud to support the response to the devastating flooding in Kerrville and Kerr County and remains hopeful that these efforts will help bring survivors to safety,” a city spokesperson said. “The residents of this region, along with all the families affected by this tragedy, are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
You can help people affected by disasters such as floods, storms and countless other crises by making a gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Learn more here.
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