Matthew McConaughey is pleading with fans to “lend a helping hand” after the catastrophic floods ravaged his home state of Texas, killing dozens of people.
“At least 70 lives have been lost, many more are unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting – inside and out,” the “Dallas Buyers Club” star wrote on X Sunday.
“If you’re able, please lend a helping hand where and how you can. It’s gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain, and the chaos need the steady hand of a neighbor.”
“Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet,” McConaughey, who was born in Uvalde, concluded.
The 55-year-old actor’s comments follow the Guadalupe River overflowing its banks during torrential rains on Thursday night into Friday, causing devastating flash floods to sweep through central Texas.
McConaughey has joined a list of celebrities who have spoken out about the devastation in the Lone Star State.
Jennifer Garner, who was born in Houston, wrote a simple message of support for Texans on her Instagram story Sunday.
“Texas. God, be near,” the actress wrote.
Colombian pop singer Shakira has pledged to donate the proceeds from her concert in San Antonio to Catholic Charities of San Antonio.
“Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas. We are donating a portion of tonight’s show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted,” the Grammy-winning singer wrote on X Saturday.
“If you would like to join me in donating, please click on the link below. Your help is important and appreciated.”
The death toll from the catastrophic Texas floods has risen to at least 82 Sunday night, with dozens more people missing, and the number of those killed is only expected to rise as the Lone Star State sifts through the wreckage.
At least 68 are dead at the flooding’s epicenter in Kerr County, while 12 more were killed in other counties.
The confirmed dead in Kerr were 40 adults and 28 children.
Officials said 11 girls and one counselor are still missing from Camp Mystic, the Christian girls’ summer camp just off the banks of the Guadalupe River.
Five campers, ages 8 and 9, have been confirmed dead in the flooding, along with the camp’s owner.
Some 400 first responders from 20 agencies, including city, state, and national organizations, are continuing the rescue operation in Kerr County, where they face difficult conditions with trees and other debris still scattered across the countryside.
As of Sunday, there have been 525 rescue operations across the state, with 366 being conducted by air.
More than 850 people were rescued within 36 hours of the flash flooding, which began after a sudden storm dumped over a foot of rain on the region, according to officials.
