Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that California will send Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to aid in the response efforts following severe flooding. This decision comes as part of a coordinated effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“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 deployment is managed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). “Cal OES is proud to deploy these experienced teams to help those in need in Texas,” stated Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme conditions.”
The teams are known for their expertise in major disaster operations, having previously responded to events such as the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Ian, the Camp Fire in Paradise, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the Montecito Mudslides.
Despite this deployment, California’s own emergency response and firefighting capabilities remain unaffected.
