PA Mobilizes First Responders To Assist Texas Amid Floods

Pennsylvania is mobilizing first responders and emergency support to help search and rescue efforts in Texas, where more than 100 people have been confirmed dead after a devastating flood.

The state will send members of PA Task Force One, the state's federal urban search and rescue team, to assist with a variety of operations.

"These brave Pennsylvanians will be departing in the next 24 hours to support Texans in the aftermath of this horrific event," Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. "On behalf of our entire Commonwealth, we're praying for Texas — and every family who is mourning the loss of a loved one tonight."

While many have been declared dead, search and rescue operations continue throughout the central portion of the state's Hill Country, Concho Valley, Big Country, and Central regions, state officials there said.

The floods slammed a portion of central Texas along the Guadalupe River Friday, about 100 miles west of Austin, overwhelming communities throughout Kerr County. The National Weather Service said the Guadalupe rose an astounding 26 feet in about 45 minutes after rain began last Friday.

Among the victims are 28 children, who were attending Camp Mystic and several other summer camps along the river, officials said.

With additional rain on the way, more flooding still threatened saturated parts of central Texas. Authorities said the death toll was sure to rise.

Pennsylvania responders will face continued inclement weather as they join operations in Texas, with heavy rain anticipated to continue over the coming days.

"Texans are urged to remain weather aware, heed the guidance of local officials, and regularly monitor weather forecasts," Texas Gov. Greg Abbot said. "Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster."

Among those confirmed dead were 8-year-old sisters from Dallas who were at Camp Mystic and a former soccer coach and his wife who were staying at a riverfront home. Their daughters were still missing.

The Associated Press contributed reporting