Oklahoma Task Force One sent to Texas to help with water rescue

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) -- Oklahoma Emergency Management headed to Texas to help with relief efforts following historic flash flooding in central Texas, that has killed dozens of people.

Oklahoma Task Force One arrived in Texas Saturday night, after Texas Emergency Management requested mutual aide through Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

"In this case, they specified a couple of swift water task force teams or swift water teams. They're staged in preparation for any kind of water rescues that might be necessary because many of the teams that are are from Texas are tied up with it with the rescue efforts already," David Shearer, Shift Commander with Oklahoma City Fire, said.

Oklahoma sent two Type III swift water rescue teams to Texas to assist in the ongoing flood response. One team is from Oklahoma City and the other from Tulsa.

Both teams have been trained in locating and rescuing individuals in flood waters.

"Our first responders are trained regularly and they prepare for situations like this. And so they're always eager to help. We're always eager to help at the request of whatever state might be needing some resources. It's just it's just the right thing to do," Shearer said.

At last check the teams were on standby waiting for their assignment and teams will be there as needed for up to 14 days.

"That's the Oklahoma Standard, plain and simple, 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."
 

Governor Kevin Stitt

More rain has fallen today and new flash flood warnings are in effect.

The current information coming out of Texas is that 11 campers among 41 people missing; 28 kids among nearly 80 killed.