Trucking firms are delivering supplies and giving help to Texas communities hit by tragic flooding.
Widespread flooding affected parts of the Concho Valley, Hill Country, and central Texas regions beginning July 2, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
As of Thursday, 120 people died, including dozens of children, a toll that has risen amid reports of 160 missing persons, according to the faith-based nonprofit Convoy of Hope.
A surge in heavy rainfall stemming from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry meant areas like Kerrville saw river levels rise from about 1 foot to over 34 feet in less than five hours on July 4.
Guadalupe River surges in Kerrville, Texas
Emergency responders, the federal government, states and others consequently rushed to provide aid. That includes help from the trucking industry.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared an emergency for 15 counties on July 4, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration on July 6, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also extended regulatory relief on July 7. Those actions temporarily suspended certain restrictions such as daily driving limits for truckers.
Several trucking firms offered additional support.
Averitt workers and the company, through its charity arm, donated $20,000 to relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, according to a July 10 email.
“Our thoughts are with the many communities in Texas that are facing the aftermath of this disaster,” Gary Sasser, Averitt chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
Averitt had no facilities or workers directly affected as of Friday, but the company felt the donation would help provide comfort and assistance as the recovery continues, Sasser said.
A series of other corporate donations included a $1 million commitment from Houston-headquartered WM, formerly known as Waste Management.
Organizations such as Convoy of Help are also responding with food, water and other supplies.
Superior Waste Solutions delivered truckloads worth of donations, too, according to Raymond Garivey Jr., police chief of Kemah, Texas. He noted on Wednesday that one truck was headed to Ingram and another to Leander, both cities in Texas affected by the flooding.
