'There are no borders': Mexican search and rescue teams join relief efforts in Texas
Volunteer firefighters from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, associated with the non-profit group Fundación 911, quickly mobilized to join the growing search and rescue efforts following the disastrous flash flood that left over 100 people dead and many others missing.
Their efforts are part of the trans-border solidarity that has marked Mexico's humanitarian relief missions.
"When it comes to disasters, especial natural disasters, there are no borders," Jorge Fuentes, with the Fundación 911 group which joined in relief efforts, said. "This support has to be provided."
The 13 firefighters arrived hours after the disaster on Friday, July 4, Fuentes said. He described the area they are working in as being completely "devastated," with debris everywhere and parts of mobile homes hanging from trees.
"The situation is something extreme," he said. "Fortunately we have the trained personnel to handle this type of situation."
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The volunteers are certified in moving water rescue, preparing them for this type of disaster, Fuentes said.
The 13 volunteers were joined Tuesday, July 8, by search and rescue teams from the Mexican state of Nuevo León. The teams were authorized by the state governor Samuel García.
"Unfortunately, flooding has resulted in many deaths of many children. Nuevo León is here to help," García said in a news statement. "We are communicating with Governor Greg Abbott and all his people so that Civil Protection and other agencies in Nuevo León can go and assist in this rescue."
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Flash floods along the Guadalupe River left at least 100 people dead over the 4th of July weekend, just outside of San Antonio, Texas.
The U.S. National Weather Service office issued an urgent warning early July 4 over the possibility of flash flooding in the area due to heavy rains. By 5:20 a.m., the river began to rise due to the rain, reaching a depth of 34 feet in an hour.
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At least 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Kerr County, were among the dead. At least 10 others from the camp remain missing.
Both Texas and national officials have faced scrutiny over the warnings ahead of the disaster.
The volunteer firefighters from Ciudad Acuña received recognition for their work from Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, during a morning news conference in Mexico City on Tuesday, July 8.
"They deserve all our recognition," Sheinbaum said as she started to name each of the volunteers. "Mexicans are always in solidarity."
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Sheinbaum said that her government is in contact with the governor of Texas if any further assistance is needed.
The previous day, July 7, the Mexican president expressed her condolences to the victims of the flood and their families. She stated that at least 30 Mexican nationals were impacted by the flooding and that the Mexican Consulate in San Antonio, Texas, was providing assistance to them.
Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@gannett.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Mexican firefighters join search and rescue efforts following Texas flood
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