Several states send specialized teams to Central Texas to help with flood search and recovery

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas has seen an outpouring of support from other state governments in the wake of devastating flash flooding that took the lives of at least 111 people over the Fourth of July weekend.

Several state governors have sent rescue and relief crews to Central Texas to aid in the search and recovery efforts.

Arkansas

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized 22 members of the Arkansas National Guard to deploy to Texas to “assist with transportation of search and rescue personnel” in the Austin area. Four Black Hawk helicopters and their crews and maintenance teams departed Arkansas Tuesday morning.

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom said California deployed skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Central to support with the rescue effort.

“We grieve for the Texans who’ve lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods,” Newsom said.

Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis deployed members of Colorado Task Force 1 to Kerr County Thursday afternoon. The 48-member team, including four K-9s, specializes in water search and rescue, wide area search and collapsed structure search and rescue.

The task force “can support it self for up to 72 hours of round-the-clock search and rescue operations without resupply, including food, shelter and hygiene.”

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis deployed three swift water rescue teams from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to assist with response and recovery.

“We’re standing by to lend more help as requested,” DeSantis said.

Louisiana

Gov. Jeff Landry said 15 Louisiana Swift Water Rescue personnel were sent to Texas to assist with search efforts. The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness remains in contact with counterparts in Texas “to see how else Louisiana can support,” Landry said.

Missouri

Gov. Mike Kehoe said Missouri Task Force 1 had been activated for deployment to Kerr County. The team is composed of “highly trained professionals from across the state who are uniquely prepared to support search and rescue operations.”

A press release from the Boone County Fire Protection Unit, of which the MO-TF1 is a division, said 50 members deployed Thursday evening. The task force will focus on water rescue operations and Human Remains Detection capabilities.

Nebraska

Gov. Jim Pillen said members of Nebraska Task Force One, the state’s search and rescue task force, deployed to Texas Monday..

“We appreciate their efforts, and we are glad that Nebraska is able to provide the specialized training of these individuals to assist in a situation like this,” Pillen said.

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine directed members to the Ohio State Highway Patrol to support search, rescue and recovery efforts in Central Texas. Twenty troopers of OSHP’s Mobile Field Force deployed Monday. Multiple K-9s and their handlers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were also sent.

Oklahoma

Gov. Kevin Stitt said two Type III swift water rescue teams from Oklahoma’s Department of Emergency Management were sent to Central Texas. The teams include Oklahoma Task Force 1 with boats, trailers and equipment. Two OEM staff members were also deployed to help coordinate additional interstate mutual aid requests at the Texas State Operations Center.

“Oklahoma personnel are well-trained and ready to assist the State of Texas through this deployment. The EMAC system ensures that experienced personnel are available to support flood response efforts where they’re most needed,” Oklahoma OEM Director Annie Mack Vest said. “Our hearts are with those impacted by this unfathomable event and we pray for the safety of Texas and responders.”

Pennsylvania

Gov. Josh Shapiro said members of Pennsylvania Task Force 1 had been activated to lead a multi-state support team for search, rescue and vital response to the flooding.

“On behalf of our entire Commonwealth, we’re praying for Texas — and every family who is mourning the loss of a loved one tonight,” Shapiro said.

South Carolina

Gov. Henry McMaster authorized the deployment of South Carolina Task Force 1, including a K-9 Search and Rescue team.

“Team South Carolina stands ready to offer any support we can,” McMaster said. “In some of our toughest moments, the people of Texas were there for us. Now, it’s our duty to return that support and stand by our friends in their time of need.”

Tennessee

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Memphis Fire Department, deployed a Canine Search Team-Human Remains Detection team to Kerr County.

Virginia

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the deployment of two Virginia Type III Swift Water Rescue Teams Monday. The teams use specialized equipment and technical rescue gear to navigate treacherous floodwaters.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities in Texas who have been devastated by these historic floods,” Youngkin said. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Texas, and we are committed to offering any and all support requested during this critical time.”

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