On July 4, extreme flash floods overwhelmed much of central Texas, in what may be one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. At least 100 deaths have been recorded so far, and the destruction to the region is already estimated at $18-22 billion USD. In response, the DRI Foundation has moved swiftly to provide financial support for Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR).
TEXSAR is a volunteer first responder organization headquartered in Austin, TX, with multiple divisions across the state. Reacting to the flooding, it set up a dedicated fundraising campaign, with all assets being mobilized for search, rescue, and recovery.
“We will be deploying volunteer ‘ground pounders,’ swiftwater teams, boats, drone teams, K9s and whatever else requesting agencies need of us,” it wrote in its initial statement. “Many of the victims who have been washed away from summer camps are children less than 10 years old. Details continue to come in as this will be an extended response effort.”
In further updates, TEXSAR said it currently has 51 volunteers along with K9s and boats deployed to search debris fields left as the floods have begun to recede. “This is going to be a continuing, long-term response. It looks like we are heading into other areas, too. We would be remiss if we did not say thank you for your signs of appreciation, your prayers, and your support of many types…those mean the world to those deployed.”
The DRI Foundation is proud to provide support and vital financial assistance to such nonprofit organizations to aid their missions in communities where they are needed. Click here to learn more about how you can help.