Texas A&M University System Agencies Lead Rescue and Recovery Efforts Amid Historic Central Texas Flooding

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The Texas A&M University System News Release image header. Office of Marketing Communications. 979-458-6023

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As our state struggles to comprehend the magnitude of the loss felt by so many of our fellow Texans, and even as we all offer up our prayers for the victims and their families and the parents, friends and loved ones of those still missing – brave men and women from across the Texas A&M University System were risking their lives to save others caught in dangerous flooding across Central Texas and the Hill Country.

At least 15 counties remain under a state disaster declaration, with heavy rain continuing to create hazardous conditions. Local officials have confirmed multiple lives lost, and recovery efforts are ongoing. Officials urge the public to continue following the instructions of first responders and avoid flooded areas.

“The members of the Board of Regents at the Texas A&M System join our fellow Texans as we grieve the loss of so many innocent people who fell victim to the devastating floods in Central Texas,” Board of Regents Chairman Robert Albritton said on behalf of the Board. “My fellow regents and I pray for the families who are suffering, and we offer our most sincere appreciation for all of the emergency personnel from the Texas A&M System and other agencies who remain at the scene.”

Teams from several A&M System agencies have been deeply engaged in response operations:

  • Texas Division of Emergency Management: deployed the State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state, Incident Support Task Force and Disaster Recovery Task Force including Voluntary Agency Liaisons to support recovery efforts and regional field staff who remain tied in with local officials.
  • Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): deployed Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues and evacuations.
  • Texas A&M Forest Service: mobilized saw crews to assist with clearing of roadways.
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: mobilized Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs.
  • Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team: staged in various locations across the affected area to provide veterinary medical support for animals impacted by flooding.
  • Texas A&M Public Works Response Team is deployed to Kerrville to assess and assist with public works infrastructure needs.

“These floods have devastated families across Texas and our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “At the same time, I am profoundly grateful to the A&M System employees and emergency responders who worked tirelessly this weekend and remain heavily engaged in efforts to prevent further loss of life and help Texans in need. Your courage, skill, and selflessness embody what public service is all about.”

Texans can find updated safety information and resources at disaster.texas.gov.

About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $7.3 billion. Through a statewide network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and Texas A&M–RELLIS, the A&M System educates more than 168,700 students and makes more than 25 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceed $1.5 billion annually, helping drive the state’s economy.

Media Contact:
Chris Bryan
Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications
cbryan@tamus.edu