A slew of governors have deployed teams to aid Texas as its death toll continues to rise after devastating flash floods tore through the state over the weekend.
As of late Monday afternoon, at least seven states have authorized emergency relief support for Texas in the aftermath of flooding that killed at least 91 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls particularly affected by the disaster. Kerr, Llano, and Bell counties were among the hardest hit areas.
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On Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) announced that a team of 20 Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers would assist with search, rescue, and recovery operations in Texas following the deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will deploy several K-9 teams specially trained to track and locate survivors in disaster zones, as dozens remain unaccounted for.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing. Search and rescue teams are still racing to find an unknown number of victims across other localities hit by the floods, including 10 in Travis County, according to county spokesman Hector Nieto.
Several other states deployed rescue teams in response to the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s request through the Texas Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid system that allows states to support one another during natural disasters.
On Monday, Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) ordered the deployment of Nebraska Task Force One to aid central Texas as it reels from the disaster. The 45-member Urban Search and Rescue team includes two canine units, boats, vehicles, and other essential equipment to navigate the flood-devastated areas. It is expected to arrive in San Antonio by Tuesday morning.
“This continues to be a serious situation in Texas, one which requires immediate response,” Pillen said. “Nebraska stands ready to assist in any way it can. The team we are sending has the training necessary for dealing with these kinds of disaster environments and will be able to expedite the search efforts that continue to take place.”
Gov. Jeff Landry’s (R-LA) office on Monday sent 14 first responders to assist Texas with search and rescue efforts following the July 4 weekend flooding. The personnel includes boat operators, crew, and personnel from the state fire marshals trained in “swift water rescue” from fire departments in Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana Parish, and Shreveport.
“These men and women will always step up when disaster strikes,” Landry said. “Louisiana will always answer the call to help our neighbors in need.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) announced on Sunday plans to deploy two Type III Swift Water Rescue Teams equipped with specialized gear for navigating floodwaters.
Florida sent three swift water rescue teams to assist with flood response and recovery following President Donald Trump’s major disaster declaration for Kerr County.
“We’re standing by to lend more help as requested,” Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said Sunday.
Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) announced Saturday that his state’s Department of Emergency Management was sending two Type III teams, as well as boats, trailers, and other rescue equipment.
“As always, Oklahoma will answer the call to help our friends and neighbors during these devastating floods. That’s the Oklahoma Standard, plain and simple,” Stitt said. “I’m grateful to our elite first responders in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for their willingness to step up and help our neighbors once again.”
A slew of private citizens and nonprofit organizations across the country have also joined in crisis response efforts, offering support to communities overwhelmed in the wake of the disaster.
In Arkansas, Lance Nutt, CEO and founder of Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, said the organization has deployed team members to assess the situation and prepare for continued aid, according to 40/29 News.
“We will be assisting with supply deliveries to those impacted by the flooding, providing behind-the-scenes support as needed to first responders involved in search and rescue, and will transition to clean-up efforts as things progress,” Nutt said. “Word on the ground is that they are currently overwhelmed with people wanting to help. We will not add to the current chaos but will backfill as current volunteers and first responders pause and/or return home.”
Other faith-based organizations, such as the Ohio-based Matthew 25: Ministries, have joined the effort, sending a disaster response team and needed items to help flood victims.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump will visit the devastated areas later this week.
SCHUMER ASKS INSPECTOR GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE LINK BETWEEN NWS STAFF CUTS AND TEXAS FLOOD
Leavitt said Trump’s tour of the “once-in-a-generation national disaster” will likely be on Friday.
Relatives of two lawmakers were among the victims of the catastrophic flash flooding at Camp Mystic. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), who represents Texas’s 11th Congressional District, revealed that two of his daughters were saved from the camp. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) announced Sunday that his granddaughters were also saved from the flooding at the summer camp, but their cousin was killed.