Mexican Firefighters Aid Texas Flood Rescue Efforts
International Support Arrives Amidst Devastation
In the wake of catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, firefighters and first responders from Mexico have crossed the border to assist in search and rescue operations, illustrating cross-border unity during a crisis.
Mexican Team Joins Texas Efforts
“When it comes to firefighters, there’s no borders,”
stated Ismael Aldaba, founder of Fundación 911 in Acuña, Mexico. He emphasized that helping fellow firefighters and families transcends geographical boundaries, highlighting the core values of their profession.
Fundación 911, working with the Mountain Home fire department and Texas state police, is helping along the Guadalupe River. Further support, including search and rescue dogs, is expected from Nuevo León.
A team of 13, familiar with flood zone crises along the Rio Grande, journeyed from across the US-Mexico border to assist Texas counties most impacted by the deluge. According to FEMA, as of today, major disasters have been declared in Texas 6 times in 2024 (FEMA.gov).
Solidarity Across Borders
Despite ongoing tensions along the US-Mexico border related to immigration policies, the arrival of the Mexican team underscores a message of unity and mutual aid.
José Omar Llanas Hernández told CBS News he was proud to serve communities and help with rescues in any country, while Jesús Gomez, a dual citizen, noted that firefighters with visas were eager to offer help. “Sometimes people from the other side cross and help us,”
he said. “It’s time to give a little bit.”
According to Aldaba, Texans have warmly welcomed the team from Mexico.
US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, expressed gratitude on social media, stating, “The United States and Mexico are united, not only as neighbors but as family, especially in times of need.”
Thank you to the brave first responders from Mexico for offering their assistance to the communities in Texas affected by the recent floods. The United States and Mexico are united, not only as neighbors but as family, especially in times of need. pic.twitter.com/QmEfMxjx6f
— Embajador Ken Salazar (@USAmbassadorMex) October 13, 2023
Camp Counselors Lauded
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum recognized the heroic actions of Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate, two Mexicans working as camp counselors at Camp Mystic, for saving approximately 20 girls when the Guadalupe River flooded. At least 27 campers and counselors perished in the disaster.
“We started writing their names, we put their badges on them, we told them to pack a bag with their things, with what they needed most, and if they had their favorite animal, to bring it,”
Zárate recounted to N more.
Aldaba reported that the first responders have “received a lot of love”
from their US counterparts. “Our team has been prepared in disasters. They’ve been to different disasters around the world. We decided to come and help our friends and try to make this a little easier for them. What we found here has been incredible.”
