>>155999
The wreckage is worse than anything I’ve ever seen. My wife’s and my family are Hill Country people. We’ve spent years in all these towns. Meredith and I honeymooned in Comfort, TX on the Guadalupe 15 miles downriver. Our hearts break for these communities—especially for the little Mystic camper girls still missing and their families agonizing in uncertainty.
But search, rescue, and recovery operations are running exceptionally well, all things considered. The federal-state-local integration is efficient. Comms are up and strong in most places. Leadership presence from Sec Noem, Gov Abbott, LtGov Patrick, and Chief Kidd is known and felt. All the oars are rowing in the same direction. Everyday Texans are coming together. It’s an inspiration, and it brings hope and confidence.
Here’s what people can do to help right now:
1. Pray!
2. Volunteer: Make sure you have a plan with a credible team and specific task and purpose. Avoid just showing up and expecting to be told what to do; you risk becoming a burden to first responders and authorities.
3. Donate: I know the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund at http://communityfoundation.net is good. If you prefer another, be sure you’re not getting scammed. Lean on the Texas Attorney General to ensure your money is going where you intend: https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection.
4. Follow all relevant social media accounts to stay apprised on items 2 and 3.
5. Remember: even after this disaster falls off the national headlines, the recovery will go on for weeks and months, so keep up the prayers, volunteering, and donations.
God Bless the Texas Hill Country.
https://x.com/aaron_reitz/status/1941899953820799298

Aaron Reitz @aaron_reitz - The wreckage is unfathomable, but the first-class coordination between federal, state, and local authorities—as well as the hope and resoluteness displayed by everyday Texans—is an inspiration. Pray for central Texas.
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FOX & Friends @foxandfriends
“The wreckage betrays words”: @aaron_reitz describes devastating scenes on the ground after deadly rainstorms and flooding caught Texas communities off guard
https://x.com/aaron_reitz/status/1941812108850602254