Governor Jim Pillen has directed the deployment of Nebraska Task Force One (NE-TF1) – Nebraska’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Team to the flood-stricken areas of Texas.
The 45-member group, including two canine teams, will leave Lincoln this afternoon. They are expected to arrive in San Antonio, TX in the morning. Pillen says he’s been in contact with Texas Governor Greg Abbott concerning the flooding disaster.
The group is expected to be deployed for up to 14 days. At least 90 people across central Texas are dead and others remain missing.
The deployment of NE-TF1 was prompted by a request from the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The NE-TF1 team will be transporting boats, vehicles and other equipment necessary for navigating areas devastated by the flood waters.
“This continues to be a serious situation in Texas, one which requires immediate response,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska stands ready to assist in any way it can. The team we are sending has the training necessary for dealing with these kinds of disaster environments and will be able to expedite the search efforts that continue to take place.”
“Our hearts are with the people of Texas who are facing the devastating impacts of catastrophic flooding. As they search for loved ones and begin the long road to recovery, Lincoln is proud to answer the call for help,” said Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird in a statement.
NE-TF1 is one of 28 US&R groups in the national disaster response system. Normally, those groups are deployed and managed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This situation is unique in that the deployment was directed under the authority of Gov. Pillen through the Nebraska Emergency Management Act.