In the aftermath of the devastating flash floods that struck Central Texas, local relief organizations are making a critical appeal for volunteers to refrain from entering the impacted areas on their own. They caution that uncoordinated efforts are hindering rescue operations and endangering lives.
On Saturday, a large group of dedicated volunteers gathered at a location near Round Mountain Baptist Church outside Leander, leading to traffic congestion that hindered ongoing search and rescue operations. “It’s crucial to emphasize—please refrain from self-deploying,” stated Marc Corinth of Hill Country United Relief, a newly established grassroots organization managing recovery initiatives.
Corinth and fellow organizer Mille Mckell are tirelessly coordinating efforts to ensure volunteers are placed safely and effectively, but the influx of unregistered helpers is complicating their mission. “Your involvement in an organization is essential,” Mckell stressed. “Traffic in search areas hampers emergency teams, and it’s crucial to honor the privacy and distress of those impacted.”…