More than 100 people have been confirmed dead since July 4, when the Guadalupe River in central Texas swelled overnight and triggered flash floods that swept through an area known locally as “Flash Flood Alley.

Devyn Smith clung to a tree as muddy, debris-laden water rushed beneath her. She was ripped more than 15 miles from where she and five of her family members had set camp the night before.

Businesses large and small also sprang into action to help the community. Grocery chain H-E-B, which started in Kerrville, one of the cities affected by the floods, has been donating food and supplies through the Red Cross. San Antonio-based fast-food chain Whataburger said it would provide meals to first responders.

The situation evolves daily. Several nonprofit groups that have arrived said they plan to remain on the ground for the next few weeks, providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

As floodwaters from the Guadalupe River continue to surge, federal rescue teams from El Paso remain on the front lines, assisting in ongoing search and rescue efforts in

In Kerr County, Thad Heartfield is leading nearly 100 volunteers searching for flood victims. For him, this mission is personal. His son and three of his son's friends disappeared in the flood.