Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent Texas A&M Task Force 1 to Florida before Hurricane Helene approached. The 80-member team is equipped for urban search and rescue, demonstrating Texas's commitment to assisting fellow Americans during crises.
In response to Tropical Storm Helene's intensification into a major hurricane, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has coordinated aid for search and rescue operations in Florida. In advance of the storm's anticipated impact, Governor Abbott issued a directive on Tuesday to the Texas Department of Emergency Management instructing them to dispatch Texas A&M Task Force 1, a highly trained urban search-and-rescue force.
Hurricane Helene, which originated in the western Caribbean, is expected to intensify as it progresses over the Gulf of Mexico. According to the most recent estimates, the hurricane is expected to land as a Category 3 storm near the Big Bend region of Florida later this week.
Task Force 1 of the Texas A&M University System is ready to assist with rescue efforts by deploying eighty men, fifteen vehicles, six boats, and six canines. One of the 28 federal units that fall under the National Urban Search and Rescue System of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this team specializes in responding to large-scale disasters.
"Texas will always stand with our fellow Americans and lend a helping hand during times of crisis," Governor Abbott said in a statement. In addition to expressing gratitude to first responders for their prompt actions, he underlined the significance of being prepared for hurricanes.
In addition, Abbott requested that Texans pray for Florida as the state prepares for the effects of Hurricane Helene. He did this because he is aware of the destruction that hurricanes can cause.
