As the death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas climbs past 80, Florida is stepping in to offer support and solidarity. Torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to surge early Friday, flooding the Texas Hill Country and leaving at least 41 people missing. Among the hardest-hit areas is Camp Mystic in Kerr County, where a dozen children remain unaccounted for.
In response, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the deployment of three swift water rescue teams through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). “We’re praying for all of those impacted and stand ready to help in any way that we can,” DeSantis said on Sunday, pledging continued support from the Sunshine State.
President Donald Trump has also responded to the disaster, approving a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. He confirmed that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is en route to Texas and announced plans to visit the flood zone himself on Friday. “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
A bright spot amid the tragedy emerged through the heroic actions of U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan. The 26-year-old rescue swimmer is credited with saving more than 165 people, many of them children stranded at Camp Mystic
