Freston said getting clean-up teams on site has taken longer than usual because of the lengthy search-and-rescue process that followed the storms. As of July 10, at least 120 people died as a result of the floods that began on the Fourth of July holiday, and more than 170 were still missing, The Associated Press reported.
Texans on Mission volunteers deploy to San Angelo, Texas, to assist the Hill Country following deadly flooding. (Photo courtesy Texans on Mission)
The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention — one of two Lone Star State groups with ties to the Southern Baptist Convention — also has volunteers on site, distributing meals and starting clean-up efforts. Additional volunteer teams from out of state are expected to arrive in the weeks to come.
Phillips said she’s been struck by the scope of the disaster, passing by large oak trees with clothing and debris scattered in high branches or seeing metal wrapped around tree trunks, showing the force of the floodwaters. She has also seen how first responders, volunteers and local residents have pulled together.
“On the people side, we’ve seen people trying to love on each other,” she said. “Lots of tears, lots of prayers, lots of hugs — just trying to be there for one another.”
This article originally appeared here.
