A member of the U.S. Coast Guard is being hailed as a hero for rescuing over 160 people during the catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas on the Fourth of July.
U.S. Coast Guard Heartland, which is headquartered in New Orleans and serves multiple states, said on Facebook that U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan assisted in the evacuation of 169 people.
It was Ruskan's first mission as a member of the Coast Guard, and he led triage coordination for most of the operation.
RELATED STORY | Children still among missing as death toll rises in Texas flood disaster
The Coast Guard said Ruskan also helped direct girls from Camp Mystic to rescue helicopters.
According to local weather officials, the heavy rains pushed the Guadalupe River to swell to 26 feet in just 45 minutes — its second-highest height on record.
The devastating floods resulted in over 90 deaths, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Dozens of those deaths were children. The number is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue in the region.
On Monday, Camp Mystic said it lost 27 counselors and campers when a wall of water slammed into its cabins built along the river.
RELATED STORY | Camp Mystic confirms 27 campers and counselors were lost in devastating Texas floods
The devastating floods in central Texas have left families and communities in urgent need of support. Scripps News Group and the Scripps Howard Fund are partnering to provide critical relief to those impacted. Every dollar donated will support local organizations with relief efforts.
This campaign is a Scripps News Group initiative in collaboration with the Scripps Howard Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to this campaign are tax deductible.
