SAN ANTONIO – Texas Game Wardens continued flood response operations across a large portion of Texas on July 17, carrying out rescues, evacuations, and supply missions as severe weather and high water left some areas cut off.
Texas Game Warden Aviation assisted camps in the Kerr County area that remained isolated by high water, completing four missions “this morning” to deliver food and supplies, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The department said the campers were safe, but impassable roads had temporarily prevented normal deliveries from reaching them.
Game wardens have responded to numerous calls for service, including residents needing to be rescued and evacuated from flooded homes, vehicles submerged in floodwater, and vehicles swept off roadways.
The department said those responses have been conducted by boat, vehicle, and helicopter, with support from unmanned aircraft systems pilots.
Aviation assets have also been working with local and state agencies to evaluate roadways and infrastructure, and wardens have been completing welfare checks for people who have chosen to shelter in place.
Over the course of the response, Texas Game Wardens have been deployed to Uvalde, Medina, Kerr, Bandera, Real, Val Verde, Kimble, Comal, and Edwards counties, the department said, noting that the list could change at any time.
As of 3 p.m. July 17, Texas Game Wardens reported 147 rescues, 89 evacuations, and five pets or animals evacuated. The department said the broader response is a joint effort among local, state, and federal agencies, and it could not provide overall response totals beyond game warden operations.
The department said it will continue to monitor conditions and remain in a heightened state of readiness, with daily updates sent after 3:30 p.m. for as long as game wardens remain involved in response efforts.