NFL, NBA, MLB teams pool together donations for Texas flood recovery efforts as death toll spikes
Professional sports teams and leagues have combined to provide millions of dollars of donations to those affected by devastating and fatal floods in center of Texas, which have hitherto killed at least 95 and left tens of more. The Dallas Cowboys, the Texans of Houston and the NFL Foundation were the first to announce their philanthropy and brought together $ 500,000 each to provide immediate assistance and long -term resources to families and victims’ survivors.
The NBA announced on Monday that it joined the effort and that it had teamed up with the three franchises of the State – the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs – and the NBA Players’ Association to give more than $ 2 million in total. In addition, the MLB Houston astros and the Texas Rangers promised $ 1 million each.
Sudden floods swept the region during the weekend of independence day while the Guadalupe river rose during the July 4 holidays at the height of a two-story building. The heavy rains increased the river to 26 feet in 45 minutes, said Lieutenant-Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, in a press conference on Friday. Up to 11 inches of rain fell into the counties affected this weekend.
The number of deaths continues to increase and 75 deaths took place in the Kerr country alone. This includes 48 adults and 27 children. At least 11 campers at the Camp Mystic, a summer camp for children, have disappeared. There were about 750 children at the Mystic Camp when the floods started, said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.
“Our hearts are heavy while we are witnessing the devastation and the loss of lives caused by the floods of the county of Kerr and the county of Texas Hill, in particular for young girls and their families, as well as all these lost people and their loved ones,” said the cowboys. “It was devastating to see and we hold everyone touched in our thoughts and prayers. Standing side by side with the critical response of the Salvation Army, we also give $ 500,000 to provide immediate resources for rescue, help and long -term recovery efforts.”
Other counties also reported deaths. The county of Travis, which houses the capital of the Austin state, confirmed at least seven deaths. Four people died and two are missing in the county of Burnet. The county of Williamson reported two deaths, and the county of Tom Green confirmed one.
“We have a heart broken by the loss and damage that our neighbors of the County of Texas Hill suffered,” said Texans. “We are particularly devastated to hear about children who are still missing and we pray so that they are soon gathered with their families. Our hearts will stay with all those affected and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support research, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.”
President Donald Trump signed a major statement on Sunday in the event of a disaster for Kerr County to help the first stakeholders in the rescue efforts.
