Young County Responders Aid in Kerr County Flood

As the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding Hill Country communities dig out from a catastrophic flood that has claimed more than 120 lives and left more than 100 people missing, residents of Young County have joined the effort to assist with search, rescue, and recovery.

County Judge Win Graham confirmed that two local responders—Jarod Cook with the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Game Warden Josh Espinoza— were deployed to Kerr County last week. Mr. Cook remained on-site for a full eight days, while Mr. Espinoza took part in water rescues that helped save lives.

According to the Boerne Star, the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department has asked for volunteers to help clear debris from the flood. The department specifically requested the help of those who own or operate heavy equipment and machinery such as chainsaws, skid steers, backhoes, excavators, and bulldozers. The department emphasized that those with this type of equipment would know what is needed and stressed that no one should call the department directly, as its lines must remain open for emergency communication.

Volunteers are now being directed to report to 151 FM 1340 in Hunt, Texas, at 8:30 a.m. The department has asked all volunteers to come prepared for long wait times and to remain extremely patient, as many people are lining up for hours to help. They also advised using the restroom before arriving.

Volunteers were asked to stay away from the area last Friday due to a visit from President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump toured a portion of the disaster zone near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, received briefings from local officials, and sat for a roundtable discussion with first responders and other leaders. In response to a reporter’s question about whether federal weather forecasters gave sufficient warning, Trump defended his administration’s handling of the situation. “Everyone did an incredible job, under the circumstances,” he said, according to The Texas Tribune.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that flood prevention would be added to the agenda of the upcoming special legislative session, scheduled to begin July 21. According to The Texas Tribune, the session will provide opportunities for community members to weigh in on how the Legislature should respond to future flooding threats. One such opportunity will be a public hearing in Kerrville, where residents affected by the flood can share their stories, concerns, and ideas for recovery.

Those who want to support the ongoing recovery effort but cannot travel to the area have other options. A volunteer drive-thru has been set up at Tivy Stadium in Kerrville, located at 1310 Sidney Baker Street. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers must register in advance through Texas Community Recovery at tcr.communityos.org.

For those wishing to provide financial support, donations can be made through the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce or the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The Chamber is located at 1700 Sidney Baker Street, Suite 100, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Foundation is located at 241 Earl Garrett Street in Kerrville and can be reached at (830) 896-8811 or online at cftexashillcountry.