Photo: Oklahoma City Fire Department
Oklahoma Task Force One has been deployed to Texas to assist with rescue operations following severe flash flooding in central Texas that has resulted in dozens of fatalities. The deployment was made in response to a request from the Texas Division of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
The task force arrived in Texas on Saturday night (July 5) and includes two Type III swift water rescue teams, one from Oklahoma City and the other from Tulsa. These teams are specially trained to locate and rescue individuals trapped in floodwaters.
Governor Kevin Stitt emphasized Oklahoma's commitment to aiding its neighbors during disasters, stating, "Oklahomans never hesitate to answer the call when lives are on the line." The teams are expected to be on standby for up to 14 days, ready to assist as needed.
"As always, Oklahoma will answer the call to help our friends and neighbors during these devastating floods. That's the Oklahoma Standard, plain and simple," said Governor Stitt. "I'm grateful to our elite first responders in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for their willingness to step up and help our neighbors once again."
“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,” said OEM Director Annie Mack Vest. “Our hearts are with those impacted by this unfathomable event and we pray for the safety of Texas and responders.”
The flooding, which began after torrential rains on July 4, has already claimed over 70 lives, with many more people still missing. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is also sending two liaison officers to Austin to help coordinate the state's aid efforts.