Jiri Studnicka and crew spent two weeks trudging along the banks of the Guadalupe River, using drones and K-9s alongside to search for signs.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Two weeks after catastrophic flooding devastated communities across the Hill Country, international relief teams are taking part in the around the clock search efforts.
Among them is a specialized search and rescue team from the Czech Republic. Led by Jiri Studnicka, the team flew in on short notice and has been contributing to search efforts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., often traveling six miles daily.
“For me and for our team, we are very proud to be here,” Studnicka said. “When they called, we had 12 hours to pack everything.”
The Czech team is utilizing advanced drone technology and collaborating with K-9 units, the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas National Guard. Their goal remains to to scour several miles of terrain each daily along the Guadalupe River, looking for any signs of loss.
“We start with small drones and conduct aerial searches,” said Studnicka. “Every time we regroup, we discuss the best ways to help and find someone.”
When they spot something potentially significant, they mark the area and notify a secondary team for follow-up.
“We are searching for the spots and if we are sure, if it’s something there, it doesn’t matter if it’s animal or human, we will put the sign and we will call to another group,” Studnicka said.
“If we are sure there’s something there, we place a sign and call another group,” he explained.
Studnicka said the warm welcome from Texans has been deeply appreciated. For his team, the mission is also personal. Just last year, Texas search and rescue crews deployed to the Czech Republic to assist with humanitarian efforts.
“To be here, it’s a pleasure. It’s our duty and we would like to do something for Texas well like they did for us last year,” Studnicka said.
As the recovery continues, these international bonds are proving as strong as the spirit of resilience across the flood-ravaged region.
Studnicka and crew departed back to the Czech Republic on Tuesday morning.
One team from Acuna, Mexico, a part of the nonprofit Fundacion 911, also assisted with search efforts.