Press Conference Recap: 9 a.m. May 25, 2015 Media Briefing On Hays County Flood

Speakers: Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator Kharley Smith, Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., City of San Marcos Emergency Management Coordinator Kenneth Bell.

 

Authorities confirmed they are now searching for 12 missing people, up from 3 yesterday. They are believed to be from the same group of people at a social function in Wimberley, but this is not confirmed. Some of those believed to be missing were attending a fluid social situation with people coming and going, so that is part of the issue with determining just how many are missing. Authorities are working from visual statements from witnesses.

 

There is no more information about the deceased male found in San Marcos Sunday. Police are attempting to identify him.

 

Authorities are requesting that well-meaning individuals and organizations who want to donate material items to please hold off until those items can be properly cataloged, stored and distributed. Right now the rescue and recovery operation is still in place and people’s immediate needs are being taken care of by government agencies and local charities. It is suggested that monetary assistance to charity organizations and volunteering for the American Red Cross would be the best way to help at this time.

 

More rain is expected in the Hays County area later today. Depending on its impact shelters could reopen. Authorities are asking people not to return to damaged areas as roads still have water on them, and those that don’t could have structural issues making them unsafe. Also, water is contaminated.

 

Social service agencies are assisting government agencies. The American Red Cross is staffing shelters in the affected area and the Salvation Army is providing food. Regional grocer HEB, which has a large distribution center in San Marcos, is providing hot meals for disaster workers and those affected by the floods at the Texas State Stadium parking lot located behind the Hopkins Street HEB, San Marcos, from Noon to 2 p.m. and from 5-7p.m. until further notice.

 

Search and rescue operations are using infrared on ground, in air when weather allows. Most fire departments are equipped with them. Also using drones. State and federal equipment is being used as well as local agency equipment.

 

Evacuees who did not sign in at a county shelter (Wimberley HS or San Marcos Activity Center) are asked to call 512-393-7725 so that we can include them on the “safe” list. (Note: this is an updated number from Sunday).

 

 

The curfew will begin at 9 p.m. for the same areas as yesterday, but will end at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. to allow for school start times. Curfew is for Cities of Wimberley and San Marcos and their ETJs, as well as the unincorporated area of Hays County south of FM 150.

 

The Ranch Road 12 bridge over the Blanco River at Wimberley will have limited access during the day so expect delays. The bridge will close to all traffic at 8 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. until further notice.