Border flood victims desperate for relief as grocery shelves become bare

Flooded out and bracing for more, the western Hidalgo County community of Penitas is just one of several border areas where the Rio Grande is expected to continue rising in coming days.

Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order Wednesday morning for the town.

In response three Texas Task Force 1 swift-water rescue teams are standing by .

Meantime, clean up efforts are underway in Laredo.

There is a growing concern after last week’s flooding. The roads have now dried, but  volunteers with the Catholic Diocese know the need has not. Victims of the flood say they have lost what little they had. Some feel lucky to have a donated bed.

Despite the lack of air conditioning Philberto Ramirez still refuses to leave his home in fear looters would get to his house.

“I don’t leave my home. I’m afraid they’re gonna take my refrigerator and dryer and my washer,” he says.

Looting is a concern. But it seems so is the lack of help for people desperately in need.

Ramirez is afraid he may be without a home for months as a result.

But he remains optimistic. At least, he says, some help is coming.

No doubt, flood victims in the Rio Grande Valley are in need of food, clean water and other supplies.

Grocery store shelves there are growing bare. KENS 5, along with the Salvation Army and a group called People Helping People, have been collecting donations from our viewers all day to help meet that need.