TX-TF1 rescue operations continue for river flooding in East, Southeast Texas

COLLEGE
STATION – As Tropical Depression Harvey moves across the South, it has left in
its wake flooded rivers, creeks and reservoirs that are still impacting many
people. Texas Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2 and other state and federal
assets continue to conduct search and rescue, evacuation and other life-safety operations
across much of East and Southeast Texas.

Harvey
dropped a record 51.8 inches of rain on Texas, making it the largest single
rain event in U.S. history, and causing rivers, creeks and reservoirs to flood
at record-breaking levels. While the danger of flash flooding is largely over,
river flooding events will keep TX-TF1 and its response partners engaged in
supporting a large number of Texans.   

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 are continuing search and rescue operations in Fort
Bend and Brazoria counties and southeast Houston, where the Brazos and Sabine
Rivers continue to rise to unprecedented flooding levels, displacing people and
pets from thousands of homes. In the Harris County area, US&R task forces
conducted primary search operations of flooded communities alongside the local
fire departments. TX-TF1 Water Rescue Squads, and TX-TF1 Helicopter Search and
Rescue Technicians continued conducting water rescue operations in Liberty, Chambers,
Jefferson and Orange counties as the Neches, Sabine and San Bernard Rivers
experience major flooding.

The size and
scope of the Texas and national response is truly astounding, with responders
and teams coming from nearly every state, even Puerto Rico, and from all
branches of emergency services and the military.

TX-TF1 continues
to assess and move resources around to support jurisdictions requiring
assistance, said Texas Task Force 1 Director Jeff Saunders. “Once the critical
rescues and evacuations are completed, we will systematically check homes in
the flooded areas to make sure we have located and accounted for all survivors
of this disastrous storm.

“The
outpouring of response from across the country is gratifying,” Saunders added.
“As these additional teams and assets arrive, we will be able to rotate in
fresh crews of personnel and equipment as the operations continue in Southeast
Texas in the coming days or weeks. In the meantime, I’m happy to report that
TX-TF1 and TX-TF2 members remain safe and committed to the mission of helping
fellow Texans and saving lives.”

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

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Texas Task Force 1 Website: www.texastaskforce1.org/ 

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