Governor Ivey deploys 40-person Alabama rescue team to Texas to assist with flood relief

(Hal Yeager/Governor's Office, Office of the Governor Greg Abbott/Facebook, YHN)

A team made up of 40 Alabamians specializing in search and rescue efforts is now on its way to Texas to assist with disaster relief after deadly floods swept through the state last week.

The multi-disciplined group consists of members from Alabama Task Force 1 out of Mobile, the Tuscaloosa Fire Department, and the Saraland Fire Department.

The operation will focus on conducting search and rescue response efforts for all hazards, including locating, accessing, medically stabilizing, and extricating survivors from impacted structures and areas.

Specialized operational personnel include rescue, canine search, medical, hazmat, technical search, and communications.

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In a statement announcing the team’s planned departure to Texas, Governor Kay Ivey reflected on a young Mountain Brook girl whose life was lost during the flooding.

“Search and rescue remains the goal, and Alabama is going to do all we can to lend a helping hand to Texas,” said Ivey. “We are heartbroken in Alabama to have lost two of our own. I pray for Sarah Marsh’s family as they navigate the unimaginable loss of their precious daughter. My prayers are also with the Santanas as they grieve the loss of Camille and are still searching for three members of their family. Truly, we are all grieving alongside these Alabamians, as well as those in Texas and across our country.”

“I am grateful to all those who are part of the search and rescue mission, and I pray for their safety and for the success of their mission. Y’all, pray for Texas!”

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The team deployed at 3:00 p.m. today. The task force operates in 12-hour periods for up to 14 days.

Authorities have reported that the Texas flood over the Fourth of July weekend claimed more than 100 lives.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten