STAMFORD – In response to the deadly flooding that swept through Central Texas over the July 4th weekend, Americares is deploying an emergency response team to Kerrville, Texas, to assess both the medical and mental health needs of survivors.
The Stamford-based nonprofit team looks to restore access to health services and address the most urgent health needs in affected communities.
“Our hearts go out to everyone facing unimaginable loss and uncertainty after the devastating flooding in Central Texas,” said Provash Budden, Americares deputy senior vice president of emergency programs. “In the wake of this terrible tragedy, we are focused on delivering aid as quickly as possible to support displaced families and ensure that survivors have access to the care they need during this difficult time.”
Heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly and overflow in the early hours of July 4, claiming lives and causing widespread damage. News outlets are reporting more than 100 people have died across a half-dozen Texas counties, including Kerr County, where local officials are reporting 84 fatalities, including 28 children. Officials reported more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours. Many others remain missing, including children attending the Mystic summer camp.
The Americares Emergency Response Team is coordinating with partner clinics in the affected areas, as well as state and national response partners, to assess the most urgent health needs, mobilize critical medical supplies, support frontline health workers and first responders and ensure survivors have access to urgently needed health care.
At the same time, the health-focused relief and development organization is prepared to send shipments of medicines and relief supplies, including hygiene kits, wound care products and essential chronic disease medications, to supply health workers treating survivors. Americares is also prepared to provide emergency funding to partner organizations working on the ground to help restore services quickly and efficiently for survivors.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 21 counties and President Donald Trump has signed a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County, making federal funding available for temporary housing and repairing storm-damaged homes, among other emergency-related expenses.
Donations to Americares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to this emergency.
