As rescuers in Texas looked for survivors of a devastating flood along the Guadalupe River on Friday, they encountered several obstacles, including downed power lines, flooded roadways, and limited cellphone connection.
On Friday, up to 500 emergency professionals from various state and municipal agencies were sent to the impacted area. According to officials, they were directing ground teams and looking for survivors of the flood using 14 helicopters and many boats.
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s head, Freeman F. Martin, told reporters on Friday afternoon that there are many resources available on the ground.
Authorities reported that locals who wished to help with the hunt had made offers. However, they cautioned locals against utilizing private aircraft or releasing drones, stating that doing so may put rescue workers in risk, and they asked people to stay at home.
Mr. Martin declared, “We don’t need any more first responders.” Self-deployment is not something we want.
According to Mr. Martin, rescue personnel have reached stranded but safe individuals in a number of areas within the flood zone. Before removing them, officials waited for the state of the roads to improve.
“We can provide them with food and water,” he said. Just getting them out of there is taking time.
About 25 local roads were impassable as of 3:30 p.m. on Friday, according to Mr. Martin. He advised against attempting to drive or wade through regions that had flooded.
“The best advice is to stay at home if you can’t tell how deep it is,” he stated.