TX-TF1 rescue operations continue in Southeast Texas

COLLEGE STATION – As Tropical Depression Harvey moved through Beaumont and Port Arthur and into Louisiana, Texas Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2 and other state and federal assets continue to conduct rescue and evacuation operations in Southeast Texas.

Harvey has dropped a record 51.8 inches of rain, making it the largest single rain event in U.S. history, and causing rivers, creeks and reservoirs to flood at record-breaking levels. 

Texas Task Force 1 is fully deployed with Urban Search & Rescue (US&R), water rescue, and helicopter rescue resources. TX-TF2 and resources from nearly all 28 FEMA US&R teams have been activated to support operations across the state. Also, Texas Military Department has activated State Guard members and has deployed a large number of helicopters and High-Profile Vehicles.

TX-TF1 and TX-TF2 US&R Task Forces were engaged in supporting countless rescues and evacuations of people and their pets in Fort Bend and Harris counties, as well as other impacted areas along the Gulf Coast. Water rescue resources are also responding in Liberty, Chambers, Jefferson and Orange counties to support local emergency agencies after 26 inches of rain fell in the region over a 24-hour period. Significant flooding has occurred along the Sabine River.

As weather events occur along the Texas coast, TX-TF1 will assess and move resources to support jurisdictions requiring assistance, said Texas Task Force 1 Director Jeff Saunders. “We are moving as many people as possible out of the impacted areas, and we are systematically checking homes to make sure we have located all survivors of this terrible storm. We have additional teams and assets coming in to assist, so that we can rotate in fresh crews of personnel and equipment as the operations continue in Southeast Texas in the coming days or weeks.”

TX-TF1 is sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, located in College Station, Texas.

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