Central Texas just had one of its wettest Mays on record. The heavy rainfall, storms and flooding became deadly and destructive, causing 23 deaths. Crews continue to search for those who are still missing in Hays County, where storms and flooding destroyed homes and property of many residents.
8 bodies now recovered in Hays County after flooding. #WimberleyFlood https://t.co/exjIqBk5Jx
— KUT Austin (@KUT) May 30, 2015
President Obama gave Texas a federal disaster declaration Saturday, allowing affected counties access to federal aid for relief efforts.
Now that there's no more rain in Texas' immediate forecast, officials are beginning to assess the damage. The Blanco and San Marcos rivers are expected to recede by Monday.
How wet has the Spring been at our 4 climate sites across South Central Texas? pic.twitter.com/hPGCS60iIq
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 31, 2015
The five-day forecast in Central Texas calls for sun and highs in the mid- to upper-80s.
There are many ways to donate time and money to those in hard-hit areas like San Marcos and Wimberley.
Resources and Services for those affected by the flood are being constantly added to site. Visit http://t.co/u7a1HlCWdM #smtxflood #smtx
— San Marcos (@CityofSanMarcos) May 29, 2015
Sunday and Monday, a multi-agency resource center is open in San Marcos at St. John Catholic Church, Claretian Hall, 624 E. Hopkins. The center is open 8 to 8 today and tomorrow and offers resources for those in need.
#HaysCo residents affected by floods can now apply for federal aid: https://t.co/Bo1m1oDgRo #TXST #SMTX #centexfloods
— The University Star (@UniversityStar) May 31, 2015
Those who need help or want to help should be aware of the following phone numbers and ways of donating:
Those who need general assistance are encouraged to call the 1-800-RED-CROSS. If you're on twitter you can follow Central Texas Red Cross here. Donations to the Red Cross can be made online here. Those looking to donate can also do so by phone by calling 512-928-4271 or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network Call Center is active and taking calls at 512-806-0800. You can donate to the Memorial Weekend Flood Relief Fund online here or send by mail to: Austin Disaster Relief Network, PO Box 3817, Cedar Park TX, 78630.
The United Way is also providing assistance to flood victims. To give online, visit United Way’s website or text UWATX to 85944 for a $10 donation.
Volunteers continue to help clean up and search for missing people. In both San Marcos and Wimberley, local volunteers have banded together to assist neighbors, providing supplies and salvaging furniture from flooded homes.
Flood victims in declared disaster areas (Hays, Harris and Van Zandt Counties in Texas) who want to be considered for federal disaster assistance should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800 -621-FEMA (3362). As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
