In collaboration with Nebraska Task Force One (NE-TF1) and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
Governor Jim Pillen provided an update Thursday afternoon on ongoing search efforts in central Texas involving Nebraska Task Force One. Pillen authorized the activation of 45-member team this week to assist with those efforts in the aftermath of catastrophic flash flooding that occurred in Texas’ Hill Country region on July 4.
Team members arrived in San Antonio Tuesday morning. Pillen says from there they traveled to Kerr County, which is where they have been since yesterday Wednesday morning. In that area, they have worked alongside local response teams, the Texas Emergency Management Agency and other state search and rescue groups from Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Virginia.
Members of NE-TF1 have been split into two divisions to help maximize coverage capabilities. Team members in Texas have indicated that the terrain is very difficult to navigate due to mud, water and debris. The team, including two canine teams, are slated to be in Texas for two weeks.
At least 120 people were killed since heavy rainfall overwhelmed the Guadalupe River and and inundated homes and youth camps early on the morning of July 4th. The death toll includes dozens of children. As of Thursday 160 people were still missing.
Nebraska Task Force One is one of 28 US&R groups in the national disaster response system. Normally, those groups are deployed and managed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This situation is unique in that the deployment was directed under the authority of Gov. Pillen through the Nebraska Emergency Management Act.
(Photos: Governor Jim Pillen’s Office)