Nonprofit organizations the Cajun Navy and the Red Cross are prepared and on standby in South Texas, anticipating the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl. As the storm moves into the Gulf, these groups are ready to deploy resources and volunteers to assist those in the storm’s path.
Ten volunteers are standing by with high-water vehicles and medical supplies. In Weslaco and Mission within the Rio Grande Valley, a core group of three Cajun Navy volunteers are stationed, with an additional seven in Mission. Their focus is on supporting medical professionals and aiding the elderly, leveraging existing partnerships with hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes, United Way, and the Red Cross to fill any gaps in assistance.
President of the Cajun Navy, Todd Terrell, spoke with 12News, highlighting the availability of thermal drones for potential search and rescue operations, capable of detecting body heat to locate individuals and animals trapped by the storm.
“We’re currently not deploying boats,” Terrell stated, “as we don’t anticipate the need for such extensive rescue efforts.”
While families brace for Beryl’s impact over the Fourth of July weekend, emergency response teams remain on standby with specialized vehicles and medical supplies to ensure the elderly and vulnerable are cared for.
“Whether it’s providing ventilators or battery backup generators,” Terrell emphasized, “our priority is ensuring those in need receive essential support.”
Emergency management officials urge residents across South Coastal areas to prepare immediately, with Red Cross volunteers stationed from Brownsville to Corpus Christi, ready to deploy shelter trailers and other resources to provide safe havens for the community.
“As Beryl progresses,” remarked Red Cross executive director Natalie Warren, “we’ll adapt our response based on the storm’s impact, whether it’s storm surges or heavy rainfall.”
Both the Cajun Navy and the American Red Cross are poised to mobilize resources as Beryl’s path unfolds, ensuring readiness to support the most affected areas.
“We’re partnering closely with other organizations,” Terrell noted, “leveraging our volunteers’ expertise and resources to complement existing relief efforts.”
As weather conditions evolve, both organizations continue to monitor developments closely, ready to provide further updates as the situation progresses.