Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on Sunday that Virginia will deploy two swift water rescue teams to Texas.
While the flooding in central Texas has left millions of people homeless and without access to food, rescue teams and non-profits from the DMV have mobilized to help those affected.
Two swift water rescue teams, based in Bristol and Virginia Beach, deployed early Monday morning to Kerrville, Texas.
Their mission’s main focus is to help recovery efforts following severe flooding. This includes water rescue missions, searching areas of impact, and support of local emergency workers in disaster zones.
Rescue teams bring specialized equipment including technical gear, watercrafts, and tools designed to navigate dangerous floodwaters in search operations.
The flooding in Texas caused extensive damage across the state, prompting various emergency declarations and this deployment request.
“Our hearts go out to the families and communities in Texas who have been devastated by these historic floods,” said Youngkin. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Texas, and we are committed to offering any and all support requested during this critical time.”
Over 80 people have died, including at least 27 campers and counselors from an all-girls summer camp in Kerr County. Areas in the region have received more than 20 inches of rain over the course of three days.
D.C.-based World Central Kitchen is also in Texas, helping feed first responders and those affected by the flood.
The group frequently updates its social media with videos describing its work:
“We’re supplying them with some much needed electrolytes and fruit,” World Central Kitchen posted to X. “That’s what they asked for.”
The nonprofit Mercy Chefs based out of Portsmouth, Virginia, also is lending a hand by assembling hot meals for flood victims.
Youngkin says Virginia stands in solidarity with Texas, calling this a “critical” time to offer support.
The deployment of swift water troops to Texas was requested by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
The request was made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) — a mutual aid system that allows states to share resources in emergencies. More information about EMAC can be found here.
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