In times of CRISIS
We are not promised tomorrow. We’re not even promised the next few seconds.
Numbers show that approximately 150,000 people die each day. That equates to two people dying every second.
By the time you get through reading this line in my article, 10 people have passed away somewhere in the world.
This past weekend was a testament to that after torrential rainfall caused catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas on July 4th weekend.
As of this article, 104 people have been confirmed dead across six counties with dozens still missing.
Several summer camps, campsites and homes were filled with water within a very short time as the Guadalupe River rapidly swelled more than 26 feet in 45 minutes.
It was a heartbreaking scene as people, structures and more were swept away in the night.
Local crews, volunteers, crews from all over the state, federal agencies and even firefighters from Mexico have been on site to help where they can.
Texans are known for their extraordinary resilience when disaster strikes. Whether facing hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or deep freezes, communities across the state often rally together with a spirit of self-reliance and neighborly support.
When disaster strikes, Texans don’t just survive; they unite for a greater good.
Rescuers have saved more than 850 individuals, but the search for the missing continues amid challenging conditions and the threat of further rainfall.
Many people are looking for ways they can help. Here are a few windows of opportunity to do so: Glad Tidings (GT Church) in Atlanta is collecting all non-perishable goods, personal hygiene/toiletries, tarps, batteries, diapers/wipes and first aid supplies for flood victims in Kerrville and Texas hill country. Please drop off any donations and supplies at GT Church located at 607 Holly Street Atlanta, Texas. If no one is there please place all donations under awning on side of church. The church is collecting donations all this week and then delivering them Saturday, July 12 The Center Point Volunteer Fire Department is accepting online donations through its Venmo account where people should look for the username CPVFDTX.
The World Central Kitchen’s relief team has been deployed to South Texas and is working with local partners to serve meals to families in need. You can donate on their page at https://wck.org/news/centraltexas-flooding-25.
The Kerr County Relief Fund is supporting the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort with “relief and rebuilding. Check out https:// cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201 to help.
Operation BBQ Relief, based in Kansas City, Mo., says it “has deployed to Kerrville, Texas in response to catastrophic flooding.” Those who know of urgent feeding needs are asked to contact the organization at operations@obr.org, and those interested in volunteering can visit https://operationbbqrelief.org/.
Mercy Chefs, an organization based in Portsmouth, Va., says it has been deployed to Kerrville as well and is preparing hot meals for first responders and members of the community. To help send hot meals visit https://mercychefs. com/.
Kerrville Pets Alive is working with Austin Pets Alive to help reunite pets with their families after the floods. Pet supply donations can be delivered to 2102 Memorial Blvd. in Kerrville and donations can be made @KerrvillePetsAlive on Venmo.
The nonprofit Texas Search and Rescue says it has deployed in Kerr County “and beyond” following the floods. You can donate at https://www.texsar.org/.