DeSantis, Florida Lend Support To TX For Flash Flooding Rescues, Recovery Efforts
As the death toll rises and a dozen others remain missing following deadly flash floods in the Texas Hill Country, Florida is extending its assistance and sending its heartfelt condolences to all affected by the natural disaster.
As of Sunday evening, CBS News reported that at least 81 people were killed and 41 more were missing after heavy rain caused flash flooding in Central Texas, with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River, which rose rapidly early Friday morning to the height of a two-story structure.
Officials said a dozen individuals are still missing from Camp Mystic, a children’s summer camp in Kerr County, some 90 miles northwest of San Antonio.
As the Lone Star State struggles to rescue and recover, the Sunshine State has stepped forward to help.
On Sunday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on X that he has instructed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to deploy three swift water rescue teams under an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to aid with response and recovery.
“We’re standing by to lend more help as requested. We’re praying for all of those impacted and stand ready to help in any way that we can,” DeSantis said.
President Donald Trump approved a massive disaster designation for Kerr County, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott made his first visit to the summer camp site.
Trump said that his administration is working closely with state and local officials in Texas after devastating flooding killed at least 53 people and left dozens more missing.
He also confirmed that his Homeland Security chief is heading to the state to provide in-person assistance.
“The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump said on Sunday that he expects to travel to Texas on Friday to visit areas of the state hardest hit by the catastrophic flash flooding.
“Probably on Friday. We wanted to leave a little time. I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way. Probably Friday,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he plans to visit Texas.
At least 80 people have died and more are still missing as a result of Texas’s terrible flooding.
A United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey is being hailed as a hero after saving over 200 people in Central Texas during flash flooding.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, 26, was singled out by US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for his efforts to save 165 people as the lone triage coordinator at the flood site.
“United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin (Ruskan), directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the @USCG,” Noem posted to her social media account on X.
Ruskan stated in an interview with “Fox and Friends” that they were in the air when they noticed a large assemblage of around 200 children at a campground. That’s how they came to focus on Camp Mystic.
“Yeah, as far as right now, we’ve been getting our tasks from higher above mostly from the Army as of right now. But a lot of it has just been large state triages, so we were at Mystic yesterday for a long period of time. We probably got about 200 people out of there alone, and it was just, yeah, we just saw a huge crowd, about 200 kids at a campsite. So, we’re like, cool that’s where we’re gonna go, and we’re just gonna get as many people out as we can until they’re all gone,” Scott said.
