Through social media, it has been reported that groups of Mexican rescuers have arrived in Texas to assist the thousands of residents affected by the floods that began the night of July 4.
The Fire and Civil Protection Department of Ciudad Acuña, in the municipality of Coahuila, in coordination with the 911 Mexico Foundation, sent a team of 13 volunteers directly to Kerrville, the epicenter of the tragedy.
Working in close collaboration with the Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Dept., the Mexican team is actively participating in search and rescue operations, reaffirming their commitment to “serve where they are most needed, regardless of borders or distances,” the foundation emphasized on social media. “Our duty is to life, hope, and solidarity.”
The names of the water rescue personnel from the Acuña Fire Department are:Javier Alvarado Lumbreras, Cristopher Abraham Herrera, Roel Delgado Martínez, José Omar Llanas Hernández, Aldo Ortiz Rodríguez, Mario Alberto Linares, Guillermo Samuel Quiroz, Javier Isaac Alvarado, and Jesús Eduardo Salas Ibarra.
And from Fundación 911 México: Ismael Aldaba Flores, Miguel Ángel González, Jesús Gómez Arizpe, and Jorge Fuentes.
Mexican President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum announced during her morning press conference that due to the floods, the Mexican Consulate in San Antonio is assisting 30 Mexican nationals. Nine of them have asked for help to return to Mexico, 16 requested replacements of their damaged or destroyed passports, and four have made no requests as they are in the United States with work visas and are being assisted by their contracting agencies.
The President indicated that the Consulate in San Antonio remains in constant communication with the Mexican citizens’ families. Consul General Rubén Minutti Zanatta reported that he, along with the Consular Protection team, visited all local shelters to offer consular assistance and maintain communication with affected individuals, their families, and strategic allies.
President Sheinbaum also offered her condolences to those who lost loved ones due to this catastrophe and praised the bravery of two young Mexican women who helped others in danger.
“Two young Mexican women rescued others. That fills us with pride,” the President said. “Our love, strength, and heartfelt condolences go to all those who lost a family member in these floods.”
The Mexican Consulate General in San Antonio reiterated its commitment to the Mexican community affected by the recent floods in Kerr County, Texas, and shared emergency contact numbers: (210) 872-4386 and (520) 623-7874.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, wrote on his X account: “Through Foreign Minister de la Fuente, I thank the Mexican Government for their solidarity and support following the floods in Texas. Our peoples stand united when it matters most, guided by respect, empathy, and a shared commitment to one another”.
The Tragedy
A series of severe flash floods struck Central Texas over the past 48 hours, leaving at least 91 dead, including 28 children, according to preliminary reports from state and local authorities.
The natural disaster was triggered by record torrential rains that caused rivers and streams to overflow in multiple counties. The most affected areas include Kerr and Kendall counties, where hundreds of homes were swept away and thousands of residents evacuated in emergency operations.
In addition, at least 41 people are reported missing, according to state and local officials. To assist in the search, the Texas Air National Guard is using remotely piloted military drones, typically deployed by the armed forces for surveillance missions.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at a press conference on Sunday that flash flooding could still pose a threat to some regions in the coming days, with more heavy rain expected.
State and Federal Response
The Texas government activated the National Guard and deployed rescue brigades to affected areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared a state of emergency and began coordinating humanitarian aid efforts with local authorities.
It is estimated that thousands of residents have been displaced, and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed. The flooding also caused power outages, highway closures, and damage to hospitals, schools, and community centers.
Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Feeding Texas, and Team Rubicon have started providing shelter, food, clothing, and medical care.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more intense rain is expected in the region over the next 24 to 36 hours. Experts from the National Hurricane Center noted that the torrential downpours were fueled by abnormal temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
