Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Flooding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Harlingen officials: crews have answered 200+ calls as rescue operations continue; city asks residents to report flooding
Summary
City leaders said emergency teams have responded to more than 200 calls, have roughly 200 pending and are working with state partners. Residents were asked to send photos, addresses and contact information to "reportfloodingharlingentx dot gov" or text their commissioner; the rescue line given in remarks was 216-5940.
Harlingen officials said emergency responders have answered more than 200 calls and continue rescue operations after heavy flooding across the city, and they urged residents to report damage and send photos and address details to the city contact provided.
Mayor (unnamed) asked residents to "report these flooding, the flooding directly to an email account and that email is reportfloodingharlingentx dot gov," and to include pictures, an address and contact information. The mayor said anyone unable to email should text reports to their district commissioner and added, "All commissioners, all hands are on deck and we're all here to serve you."
Chief Balderas, a Harlingen chief who led emergency operations during the briefing, said, "Team Harlingen has been working hard since last night. We are working around the clock. We are doing rescues both in vehicles and at homes." He thanked strike teams and mutual‑aid partners who deployed from around the state.
A city official said crews have already responded to more than 200 calls, with roughly 200 remaining pending, and gave a rescue contact number: "The number to be rescued is 216-5940." The official said nonemergency calls are being prioritized and asked residents to stay home where possible so first responders can move through neighborhoods safely.
Officials identified several flooded locations and closures. The briefing named Primera Road and Expressway 77 as flooded corridors with stranded motorists at convenience stores; Wilson Road near the sports complex and the Lakeshore Estates neighborhood; Ice Street and the nearby Fair Park Estates RV park (barricaded from Jackson Street to Fair Park); and Stewart Place. Officials said those streets were blocked by police and warned drivers to avoid affected roads and turn around.
City leaders said they are coordinating with local, county and state partners and that more than 20 outside agencies and strike teams were assisting. The Harlingen Convention Center was announced as open for sheltering anyone who needs it. Officials said updates and follow‑up information will be posted on the City of Harlingen social media pages.
The briefing closed with a reminder that officials are also inventorying city equipment and vehicles for flood damage and that animal control can be contacted via the nonemergency line for stray animals; however, officials reiterated that human life‑safety needs are the top priority.
Officials encouraged patience as rescue operations continue and asked residents to send reports, photos and contact details to the city contact so staff can follow up.
