Governor Newsom announces deployment of urban search and rescue task force teams to Texas

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts.

“California stands with all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in the devastating aftermath of these summer floods in Texas. California is sending these specialized resources to support critical emergency response and recovery efforts.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

“Cal OES is proud to deploy these experienced teams to help those in need in Texas,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme conditions.”

Potential exists for additional flood impacts in the area.

These teams are highly experienced in major disaster rescue operations, including the September 11, 2001 attacks, the World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Ian, the Camp Fire in Paradise, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the Montecito Mudslides.

This deployment does not impact California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.