KERR COUNTY, TX. (WAFB) – Flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country has turned deadly, claiming the life of one person, Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed Thursday. Louisiana first responders are aiding in rescue efforts.
Texas officials say they expect more rain over the weekend following flash flooding in the Hill Country, though floodwaters are not expected to reach the same levels as a year ago, when flooding killed more than 130 people — including 25 young girls at a summer camp over the Fourth of July.
The United Cajun Navy has pre-staged drones and rescue teams outside the impact area and is coordinating with local officials before deploying.
“We’re not self-deploying — it’s a big no-no; everyone learned that after last year’s event,” said a United Cajun Navy spokesperson. “What we have done is actually pre-staged some people and resources outside the impact area, and they are starting to reach out to us for those resources.”
Evacuation efforts near completion
Josh Gill said evacuation efforts are nearly complete despite additional rain in the forecast.
“Once that response is complete, the water recedes — then its how do we start looking at the recovery operations, helping people get on with their lives,” Gill said.
Louisiana firefighters deploy to Texas
The Baton Rouge and West Feliciana fire departments are each three personnel short as those firefighters assist Texas first responders with rescue operations.
BRFD’s Billy Zachary said the deployment reflects a longstanding relationship between Louisiana and Texas emergency responders.
“Unfortunately, flooding is no stranger to us here in Louisiana, and we are grateful to have had the support of the Texas USAR task force here whenever we experienced hurricanes or major flood disasters like in 2016,” Zachary said. “So this is about neighbors helping neighbors, and we are just happy to be able to go over there and stand shoulder to shoulder whenever they need it.”
Firefighters from other parishes across Louisiana are also assisting in part of USAR Task Force 2 and said they will remain until the job is done.
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