CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Emergency management officials are on-standby following the flash flooding in Texas that occurred Thursday night into Friday morning.
Governor Patrick Morrisey took to X Saturday morning to announce that he told EMS to be on stand-by in case Texas needed assistance.
“West Virginia knows all too well the terrible impacts of sudden, flash flooding. Please join me in praying for a safe return for those still missing in the Texas floods and for the first responders working in dangerous conditions to save lives. I have directed our Emergency Management officials to stand ready to assist Texas in any way we can” Morrisey’s post said.
Rain came into the area and caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet within 45 minutes, resulting in devastation across the state. The flooding killed at least 80 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, with more reported missing.
Morrisey appeared on MetroNews Midday Monday morning to talk about his decision.
He said that he made the post because he wanted the state to know that they would be ready if needed.
“Obviously I want to make sure that our brothers and sisters in other states are in need, West Virginia steps up,” Morrisey said.
He explained that other states have done the same for West Virginia, noting that after the 2016 floods, support came from across the country.
He said that he hasn’t talked to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, but has been in contact with their National Guard.
Morrisey said that he has asked his team to be prepared for anything, though it currently appears that Texas has plenty of help on the ground.
“I’ve actually asked my team to be prepared to do everything and anything but like I said right now the feedback is they have a lot of people stepping up but we’re going to stand by and certainly if they need help, we’ll be there to stand up,” he said.
Morrisey explained that the assistance they could provide ranges from getting supplies and specific goods to residents, providing machinery, helping to clear roads, and supporting swift water rescues.
He said that this assistance, in his experience, will be welcomed by residents in need
“I know that people genuinely appreciate it when people come in from within in the state or outside the state because we just have to put all things aside and help people who are in dire situations,” Morrisey said.
He also encouraged residents to help one another during this tragic time.
“It’s important to step up and volunteer whether it’s physically spending time going there or donating to a charitable cause, usually the Red Cross or other charitable entities that are registered in Texas, make sure it’s a reputable group, I would reach out and help,” Morrisey said.