Virginia swift water rescue teams join local responders in Texas flood recovery efforts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Type III Swift Water Rescue Teams have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts after severe flooding in Texas over the holiday weekend.

As the death toll continues to rise, two teams from Bristol and Virginia Beach are joining local responders to provide crucial water rescue operations.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities in Texas who have been devastated by these historic floods,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Texas, and we are committed to offering any and all support requested during this critical time.”

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday, July 4. Authorities said the severity of the rainfall -- the equivalent of a month's worth of rain -- was unexpected.

President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday and said he would likely visit on Friday. When asked if he planned on rehiring any federal meteorologists who had been fired earlier this year, he said he wasn't.

"This was a thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it. Very talented people there, and they didn’t see it,” the president said.

As of 7 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 82 people had reportedly been killed, with 41 others unaccounted for and more possibly missing.