PH consulate: No Filipino casualties in Texas flooding

At least 82 people have died, including 28 children, in the flash floods that hit the US state on July 4. Many of the casualties were campers along the banks of the Guadalupe River. (Photo: Texas Military Department/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Consulate General in Houston confirmed Monday that no Filipino casualties have been reported so far following the deadly flash floods that hit Kerrville City and nearby counties in central Texas.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas on Monday, Consul General Gunther Emil Sales assured the public that the Consulate is in close coordination with the Filipino community in the affected areas to check on families and provide assistance if needed.

There are an estimated 100 Filipino-Americans and Filipinos in Kerrville City.

“So far, no reports of Filipino fatalities have reached us. Some residents we spoke with reported that their homes were flooded and their belongings damaged, but aside from that, they are safe,” he said in Filipino.

He added that affected individuals have received support from neighbors, friends, and local authorities. Some have temporarily relocated to nearby cities such as Austin and San Antonio.

Kerrville is also home to Camp Mystic, a well-known private Christian summer camp for girls.

At least 82 people have died, including 28 children, in the flash floods that hit the US state on July 4. Many of the casualties were campers along the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Sales likened the flooding to the scale of Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) that drenched Metro Manila and surrounding areas in September 2009.

“Maybe we can say that it is Ondoy-like… (A)s early as Wednesday, heavy rainfall warnings were already issued. By early Friday morning, evacuation alarms had gone off, but the flash flood hit between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.—while most people, including campers at Camp Mystic, were still asleep,” he said.

“In some areas, the water level rose as much as 30 feet in under two hours. It was very sudden,” he added.

Sales, meanwhile, reminded the public that the Consulate General’s team in Houston is coordinating with Filipino community leaders and local networks to reach out not only in Kerrville but also in surrounding flood-hit areas.

Relatives in the Philippines who have loved ones in the affected counties are encouraged to reach out.

He said the Consulate may be contacted 24/7 to respond to queries and extend help. Those in need may call its Hotline +1 346-256-4522, send an email to pcghouston.atn@gmail.com, or send a message through its Facebook page, Philippine Consulate General in Houston.

“To our fellow Filipinos in the US and the Philippines, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to assist not just in Texas but also in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. We are here for you,” Sales assured.