California has deployed over two dozen first responders to assist with the search and rescue efforts in Texas following the flash floods that killed over 100 people and left many more missing.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — California has sent more than two dozen first responders to assist with the ongoing search and rescue efforts amid the flash flooding in Texas that killed over 100 people and left many more missing over Fourth of July weekend.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday the deployment of nine members of Urban Search and Rescue Teams from Riverside City and Oakland City. The governor on Tuesday deployed 18 more search and rescue first responders from the Los Angeles County, Riverside City, Menlo Park and Orange County fire departments to assist with response efforts in Texas.
The flash floods in Texas killed over 100 people, and more than 160 people are still believed to be missing four days later, authorities said in an update Tuesday.
The deployment from California includes four units of Human Remains Detection (HRD) Teams and eight K-9s, the governor’s office said.
“California stands with all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in the devastating aftermath of these summer floods in Texas. California is sending these specialized resources to support critical emergency response and recovery efforts,” Newsom said. “The scale of loss and devastation Texas is experiencing right now is unfathomable. California is proud to lend a helping hand to our fellow Americans.”
The California Urban Search and Rescue Teams will use their specialized skills to assist with emergency operations in and around the hardest hit areas based on priorities and direction of state and local officials, the governor’s office said.
California’s deployment of search and rescue teams joins rescue teams from across the country, FOX 5/KUSI’s sister station KXAN reports, as well as from the Mexican city of Acuña.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) deployed the crews in coordination with FEMA, and Texas through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
“Cal OES deploys these experienced teams to help those in need in Texas,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme conditions.”
Cal OES said “as the potential exists for additional flood impacts in the area, California stands ready to send additional resources as requested.”
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