KERRVILLE - As the search for missing victims continues in the wake of catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, a team of first responders from Mexico has joined the effort - bringing international aid to a disaster that has left the region reeling.
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Thirteen rescuers from Acuña, just across the border from Del Rio, arrived in Kerr County this week to assist local, state, and federal teams combing the flood-swollen Guadalupe River. The group includes trained firefighters and swift water rescue specialists with experience in navigating dangerous flood conditions.
The deadly flooding over the July 4th weekend has now claimed more than 100 lives, including at least 84 in Kerr County. Among the victims were 27 girls attending Camp Mystic near Hunt. Several people remain missing.
Jesús Gomez, a dual citizen from Acuña, told CBS News Texas their team is trained for high-risk water rescues and came prepared to work around the clock. The crew has already recovered at least one victim buried under several feet of flood debris.
Team leader José Omar Llanas Hernández said they will remain on-site as long as needed. “We’ve seen this kind of devastation before,” he said. “We’re here to help however we can.”
Local residents and officials have expressed gratitude for the cross-border cooperation, which comes as Texas continues its largest flood search operation in decades. While Governor Abbott has praised state and federal agencies for their efforts, there has been no official comment yet regarding the Mexican team’s involvement.
Rescue operations remain dangerous, with unstable terrain and more rain in the forecast. Still, hundreds of responders and volunteers - including this international team - continue to work tirelessly in the hope of bringing answers and peace to grieving families.
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