Alabama Team Heads to Texas for Flood Relief
A group of 40 people from Alabama, skilled in search and rescue, is heading to Texas to assist with disaster relief following a deadly flood that recently hit the state.
This team includes members from Alabama Task Force 1, as well as firefighters from Tuscaloosa and Saraland Fire Stations.
The mission will focus on various search and rescue efforts, which involve locating, accessing, medically supporting, and rescuing individuals from impacted areas and structures.
Personnel on the team are experienced in multiple areas, including rescue techniques, canine search operations, medical aid, hazardous materials handling, technical searches, and communication systems.
In a statement about the team’s departure, Governor Kay Ivey reflected on the tragic loss of a young girl during the flood.
“Search and rescue is our priority, and Alabama is committed to assisting Texas in this time of need,” Ivey expressed. “We are devastated by the loss of two lives in Alabama. I extend my heartfelt prayers to Sarah Marsh’s family as they cope with this deep sorrow. Additionally, my thoughts are with Kamille’s family, as we search for three family members.”
Ivey also expressed gratitude to those involved in the search and rescue efforts and wished them safety and success in their mission.
The team departed at 3 PM today and will be active for up to 14 days, working 12-hour shifts.
Recent reports indicate that the floods in Texas resulted in over 100 fatalities during the Fourth of July weekend.