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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 including 25 young girls at a summer camp over the Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
The United Cajun Navy has pre-staged drones and rescue teams outside the impact area and is coordinating with local officials before deploying.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not self-deploying \u2014 it\u2019s a big no-no; everyone learned that after last year\u2019s event,\u201d said a United Cajun Navy spokesperson. \u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Evacuation efforts near completion<\/p>\n
Josh Gill said evacuation efforts are nearly complete despite additional rain in the forecast.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce that response is complete, the water recedes \u2014 then its how do we start looking at the recovery operations, helping people get on with their lives,\u201d Gill said.<\/p>\n
Louisiana firefighters deploy to Texas<\/p>\n
The Baton Rouge and West Feliciana fire departments are each three personnel short as those firefighters assist Texas first responders with rescue operations.<\/p>\n
BRFD\u2019s Billy Zachary said the deployment reflects a longstanding relationship between Louisiana and Texas emergency responders.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, 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,\u201d Zachary said. \u201cSo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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