Latest news with #JustinRubio
Time of India
09-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Breaking News Live: More than 160 people still missing days after deadly Texas floods
06:39 (IST) Jul 09 Justin Rubio awoke in the wee hours to an alert on his phone, thunder, sirens and the thud of helicopter blades — the beginning of one of the largest rescue operations in Texas history. Rubio was determined to be a part of it. Even as authorities in Kerr County have repeatedly discouraged civilian volunteers, Rubio and dozens of others went out Monday to search for people still missing after flash flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend. The emotions wrapped up in the calamity that killed at least 100 people — and the urge to help find those still missing — at times butted up against officials' need for structure and safety as they search over 60 miles (100 kilometers) along the Guadalupe River. The river grew by the size of a two-story building in less than an hour on Friday. One survivor described a ' pitch-black wall of death." The flooding decimated shorelines, ripped trees from the ground, tossed and crushed a Ram truck, disappeared buildings and swept through a century-old summer camp packed with kids.
CBS News
08-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
At Texas flooding search site, civilian volunteers being told no stay away but they show up anyway
Justin Rubio awoke in the wee hours to an alert on his phone, thunder, sirens and the thud of helicopter blades - the beginning of one of the largest rescue operations in Texas history. Rubio was determined to be a part of it. Even as authorities in Kerr County have repeatedly discouraged civilian volunteers, Rubio and dozens of others went out Monday to search for people still missing after flash flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend. The emotions wrapped up in the calamity that killed more than 100 people - and the urge to help find those still missing - have at times butted up against officials' need for structure and safety as they search over 60 miles along the Guadalupe River. The river grew by the size of a two-story building in less than an hour on Friday. One survivor described a "pitch-black wall of death." The flooding decimated shorelines, ripped trees from the ground, tossed and crushed vehicles, disappeared buildings and swept through a century-old summer camp packed with kids. Rubio, who picked through torn tree limbs Monday, said he couldn't help but pitch in. "It's sad. It eats at your soul, it eats at your heart," he said. "I can't just sit at home thinking about what's going on out here." The outpouring, volunteers say, is a Texas strain of solidarity, and officials have applauded the donations and volunteers in other areas. When it comes to search and rescue, however, fickle weather and a flash flood warning Sunday afternoon heightened authorities' fears that unorganized volunteers could end up missing or dead themselves. Search and rescue personnel look for missing people along the Guadalupe River on July 7, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. Joshua Lott / The Washington Post via Getty Images Painstaking search continues On Sunday and Monday, officials began closing more search sites to volunteers, instead directing them to a local Salvation Army. "We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people just showing up and doing what they do," Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said. "We remain hopeful every foot, every mile, every bend of the river." Some families have been frustrated by the pace, but officials are asking for patience with the breadth of the search area and methodical, no-stone-unturned approach. It's a sweeping operation with 19 different local and state agencies, drones, dogs, boats and helicopters. Officials have laid out a grid over the search area. Each segment can reach over a mile and take between one and three hours to search, Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville, said at a news conference Monday morning. Rice reiterated for volunteers to "stay out of the way" so first responders aren't waylaid ensuring that volunteers "don't become victims themselves." Search and rescue personnel continue to look for missing people along the Guadalupe River on July 7, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. Joshua Lott / The Washington Post via Getty Images Some volunteers move elsewhere When volunteers were asked by official responders to leave sites in Kerrville, some moved to help search in the unincorporated community of Center Point on Monday, said Cord Shiflet, who'd rallied volunteers through a Facebook post. On Sunday, Shiflet had falsely claimed on Facebook that two girls had been rescued in a tree days after the flooding, but he said Monday that he'd received bad information and apologized. The mistake caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who represents the area and urged people to be careful about false news. "It's not fair to families and it distracts law enforcement," Roy posted on the social platform X. At Center Point on Monday, dozens of undeterred volunteers gathered, including Rubio and Bryan Dutton, in the afternoon heat. Dutton, a veteran who said he had friends at an RV camp affected by the floods, had been waiting to get off work to join the droves of residents coming out to assist and provide food. "We do what we can do," Dutton said. "That's how Texas is."
Global News
08-07-2025
- General
- Global News
As Texas flooding death toll hits 100, volunteers surge in to search
Justin Rubio awoke in the wee hours to an alert on his phone, thunder, sirens and the thud of helicopter blades — the beginning of one of the largest rescue operations in Texas history. Rubio was determined to be a part of it. Even as authorities in Kerr County have repeatedly discouraged civilian volunteers, Rubio and dozens of others went out Monday to search for people still missing after flash flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend. The emotions wrapped up in the calamity that killed at least 100 people — and the urge to help find those still missing — at times butted up against officials' need for structure and safety as they search over 60 miles (100 kilometers) along the Guadalupe River. The river grew by the size of a two-story building in less than an hour on Friday. One survivor described a ' pitch-black wall of death.' The flooding decimated shorelines, ripped trees from the ground, tossed and crushed a Ram truck, disappeared buildings and swept through a century-old summer camp packed with kids. Story continues below advertisement Rubio, who picked through torn tree limbs Monday, said he couldn't help but pitch in. 'It's sad. It eats at your soul, it eats at your heart,' he said. 'I can't just sit at home thinking about what's going on out here.' The outpouring, volunteers say, is a Texas strain of solidarity, and officials have applauded the donations and volunteers in other areas. 1:29 Texas floods: 11 campers still missing from Camp Mystic, officials say When it comes to search and rescue, however, fickle weather and a flash flood warning Sunday afternoon heightened authorities' fears that unorganized volunteers may end up adding to the missing or dead. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy On Sunday and Monday, officials began closing more search sites to volunteers, instead directing them to a local Salvation Army. 'We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people just showing up and doing what they do,' Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said. 'We remain hopeful every foot, every mile, every bend of the river.' Story continues below advertisement Some families have been frustrated by the pace, but officials are asking for patience with the breadth of the search area and methodical, no-stone-unturned approach. It's a sweeping operation with 19 different local and state agencies, drones, dogs, boats and helicopters. Officials have laid out a grid over the search area. Each segment can reach over a mile (2 kilometers) and takes between one and three hours to search, Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville, said at a news conference Monday morning. Rice reiterated for volunteers to 'stay out of the way' so that first responders aren't waylaid ensuring that volunteers 'don't become victims themselves.' 3:19 Texas floods: Gov. Abbott promises 'relentless' effort to 'locate every single' victim When volunteers were asked by official responders to leave sites in Kerrville, some moved to help search in the unincorporated community of Center Point on Monday, said Cord Shiflet, who'd rallied volunteers through a Facebook post. Story continues below advertisement On Sunday, Shiflet had falsely claimed on Facebook that two girls had been rescued in a tree days after the flooding, but he said Monday that he had received bad information and apologized. The mistake caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who represents the area and urged people to be careful about false news. 'It's not fair to families and it distracts law enforcement,' Roy posted on the social platform X. At Center Point on Monday, dozens of undeterred volunteers gathered, including Rubio and Bryan Dutton, in the afternoon heat. Dutton, a veteran who said he had friends at an RV camp affected by the floods, had been waiting to get off work to join the droves of residents coming out to assist and provide food. 'We do what we can do,' Dutton said. 'That's how Texas is.'
08-07-2025
- Climate
Volunteers flock to help search efforts after Texas floods even as officials warn them away
CENTER POINT, Texas -- Justin Rubio awoke in the wee hours to an alert on his phone, thunder, sirens and the thud of helicopter blades — the beginning of one of the largest rescue operations in Texas history. Rubio was determined to be a part of it. Even as authorities in Kerr County have repeatedly discouraged civilian volunteers, Rubio and dozens of others went out Monday to search for people still missing after flash flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend. The emotions wrapped up in the calamity that killed at least 100 people — and the urge to help find those still missing — at times butted up against officials' need for structure and safety as they search over 60 miles (100 kilometers) along the Guadalupe River. The river grew by the size of a two-story building in less than an hour on Friday. One survivor described a ' pitch-black wall of death." The flooding decimated shorelines, ripped trees from the ground, tossed and crushed a Ram truck, disappeared buildings and swept through a century-old summer camp packed with kids. Rubio, who picked through torn tree limbs Monday, said he couldn't help but pitch in. 'It's sad. It eats at your soul, it eats at your heart,' he said. 'I can't just sit at home thinking about what's going on out here.' The outpouring, volunteers say, is a Texas strain of solidarity, and officials have applauded the donations and volunteers in other areas. When it comes to search and rescue, however, fickle weather and a flash flood warning Sunday afternoon heightened authorities' fears that unorganized volunteers may end up adding to the missing or dead. On Sunday and Monday, officials began closing more search sites to volunteers, instead directing them to a local Salvation Army. 'We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people just showing up and doing what they do,' Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said. "We remain hopeful every foot, every mile, every bend of the river.' Some families have been frustrated by the pace, but officials are asking for patience with the breadth of the search area and methodical, no-stone-unturned approach. It's a sweeping operation with 19 different local and state agencies, drones, dogs, boats and helicopters. Officials have laid out a grid over the search area. Each segment can reach over a mile (2 kilometers) and takes between one and three hours to search, Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville, said at a news conference Monday morning. Rice reiterated for volunteers to 'stay out of the way" so that first responders aren't waylaid ensuring that volunteers 'don't become victims themselves.' When volunteers were asked by official responders to leave sites in Kerrville, some moved to help search in the unincorporated community of Center Point on Monday, said Cord Shiflet, who'd rallied volunteers through a Facebook post. On Sunday, Shiflet had falsely claimed on Facebook that two girls had been rescued in a tree days after the flooding, but he said Monday that he had received bad information and apologized. The mistake caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who represents the area and urged people to be careful about false news. 'It's not fair to families and it distracts law enforcement,' Roy posted on the social platform X. At Center Point on Monday, dozens of undeterred volunteers gathered, including Rubio and Bryan Dutton, in the afternoon heat. Dutton, a veteran who said he had friends at an RV camp affected by the floods, had been waiting to get off work to join the droves of residents coming out to assist and provide food. 'We do what we can do,' Dutton said. 'That's how Texas is.'
Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Volunteers flock to help search efforts after Texas floods even as officials warn them away
CENTER POINT, Texas (AP) — Justin Rubio awoke in the wee hours to an alert on his phone, thunder, sirens and the thud of helicopter blades — the beginning of one of the largest rescue operations in Texas history. Rubio was determined to be a part of it. Even as authorities in Kerr County have repeatedly discouraged civilian volunteers, Rubio and dozens of others went out Monday to search for people still missing after flash flooding tore through the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend. The emotions wrapped up in the calamity that killed at least 100 people — and the urge to help find those still missing — at times butted up against officials' need for structure and safety as they search over 60 miles (100 kilometers) along the Guadalupe River. The river grew by the size of a two-story building in less than an hour on Friday. One survivor described a ' pitch-black wall of death .' The flooding decimated shorelines, ripped trees from the ground, tossed and crushed a Ram truck, disappeared buildings and swept through a century-old summer camp packed with kids. Rubio, who picked through torn tree limbs Monday, said he couldn't help but pitch in. 'It's sad. It eats at your soul, it eats at your heart,' he said. 'I can't just sit at home thinking about what's going on out here.' The outpouring, volunteers say, is a Texas strain of solidarity, and officials have applauded the donations and volunteers in other areas. When it comes to search and rescue, however, fickle weather and a flash flood warning Sunday afternoon heightened authorities' fears that unorganized volunteers may end up adding to the missing or dead. On Sunday and Monday, officials began closing more search sites to volunteers, instead directing them to a local Salvation Army. 'We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people just showing up and doing what they do,' Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said. 'We remain hopeful every foot, every mile, every bend of the river.' Some families have been frustrated by the pace, but officials are asking for patience with the breadth of the search area and methodical, no-stone-unturned approach. It's a sweeping operation with 19 different local and state agencies, drones, dogs, boats and helicopters. Officials have laid out a grid over the search area. Each segment can reach over a mile (2 kilometers) and takes between one and three hours to search, Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville, said at a news conference Monday morning. Rice reiterated for volunteers to 'stay out of the way' so that first responders aren't waylaid ensuring that volunteers 'don't become victims themselves.' When volunteers were asked by official responders to leave sites in Kerrville, some moved to help search in the unincorporated community of Center Point on Monday, said Cord Shiflet, who'd rallied volunteers through a Facebook post. On Sunday, Shiflet had falsely claimed on Facebook that two girls had been rescued in a tree days after the flooding, but he said Monday that he had received bad information and apologized. The mistake caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who represents the area and urged people to be careful about false news. 'It's not fair to families and it distracts law enforcement,' Roy posted on the social platform X. At Center Point on Monday, dozens of undeterred volunteers gathered, including Rubio and Bryan Dutton, in the afternoon heat. Dutton, a veteran who said he had friends at an RV camp affected by the floods, had been waiting to get off work to join the droves of residents coming out to assist and provide food. 'We do what we can do,' Dutton said. 'That's how Texas is.' ___ Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
