California – California is helping Texas deal with the flooding that is affecting plenty of people in the Lone Star State. Governor Gavin Newsom said that California is sending specialized Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams to help with emergency response efforts after the terrible summer floods.
“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,” said Governor Newsom.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) are working together to make sure the deployment goes as planned. These units have years of experience working in high-risk situations and are trained to work in high-risk environments. Nancy Ward, the head of Cal OES, said that the teams are some of the best in the country.
“Cal OES is proud to deploy 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.”
The teams that are being sent have a history of handling large-scale disasters. They have worked on missions during the Oklahoma City bombing, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Ian, the Camp Fire in Paradise, the Montecito Mudslides, and the September 11 assaults at the World Trade Center. Their experience makes them well-suited to help with the ongoing Texas flood disaster which could get worse because of continuing weather concerns.
Officials highlighted that sending these people to other places will not hurt California’s own ability to respond to emergencies. State administrators confirmed that California’s emergency and firefighting resources remain fully operating and ready for any problems that may come up in their area.
As Texas cities start to heal, California’s US&R teams are expected to help with search and recovery activities that are already going on. The move shows that states are willing to work together when there is a calamity, and it shows California’s dedication to helping people in need.
