disaster-response

FIELD REPORT

Texas Floods Tested First Responders Again—Friends Like You Helped Them Be Ready

Jul 31, 2026

TEXAS – “Operation Blessing was one of the first organizations that showed up last year, right after the flood, and said, ‘How can we help?’” For the firefighters of the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, catastrophic flooding has become an all-too-familiar reality. After enduring a historic flood in 2025, they never imagined they would face another disaster of the same magnitude just two years later.

Yet when floodwaters surged through their community again, they immediately sprang into action. Going door to door, firefighters helped residents evacuate to higher ground before returning to find their own station flooded once again. This time, however, they were better prepared.

Texas floods tested first responders Again

Equipped to Save Lives

“We’ve been blessed with a lot of equipment that we didn’t have before the flood,” one firefighter shared. “This flood, I think we really made a difference.” Lessons learned from the previous disaster—and the generosity of friends like you—helped make that possible. After Texas Floods Tested First Responders, Operation Blessing recognized that communities along the river needed better rescue equipment before the next emergency struck.

Thanks to your compassion, the department received an airboat and a tandem trailer capable of hauling multiple swift-water rescue boats. Those resources were quickly put to work.

Equipped to save lives

Texas Floods Tested First Responders Again

The airboat allows rescue crews to travel where traditional boats cannot, navigating unpredictable river conditions, debris, shallow rock beds, and flooded terrain.“Once the water starts with steam down, we can definitely get into places that I can’t with my Zodiacs because of the debris and things that are in the water,” the firefighter explained. “This boat’s able to go through the water and over the land.”

During the recent flooding, crews rescued people from trees, riverbanks, and attics. While last year’s flood claimed 32 lives in their district, this year’s response resulted in only one missing person, who was recovered quickly.

Standing Beside Those Who Serve

Standing beside those who serve

For these first responders, knowing they are not facing disasters alone means everything.

“Those kinds of gifts, it’s impossible to say thank you enough,” the firefighter said. “We know that Operation Blessing is not only has our back, but they’re by our side through these events.”

Because friends like you choose to stand with communities before, during, and after disaster strikes, courageous first responders have the tools they need to save lives when every second counts.

Thank YOU for Your Support

Stories like this are only possible thanks to the generous support of friends like you. Please consider reaching out to offer more help and hope to a hurting world today through Operation Blessing. Your gift of compassion will provide those in need with life's most basic necessities like clean water, hunger relief, medical care, disaster relief, and support for vulnerable children.

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