KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — State officials are sending more crews and equipment to the Hill Country region of Texas to aid ongoing response and recovery operations in the wake of catastrophic flooding that has killed more than 130 people.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency deployed a search and rescue team with Tennessee Task Force 2 to support local agencies over the weekend. The crew is comprised of personnel from multiple local agencies, including the Nashville Fire Department and Williamson County Emergency Management Agency. The team’s mission is expected to last two weeks.
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Support personnel from Tennessee Task Force 1 deployed to Kerr County, Texas, on Monday. The crew includes three handlers and search dogs from the Memphis Fire Department. They will support another search team that deployed to the area from Tennessee last week.
Search efforts were expected to resume Monday after more heavy rains forced operations to be temporarily paused on Sunday. Authorities believe that more than 160 people may still be missing, mostly from Kerr County. The July Fourth floods have killed at least 132 people.
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“Supporting Texas during this time reflects the true spirit of the Volunteer State, ready to help wherever and whenever we’re needed,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “I’m grateful to Tennessee’s first responders and emergency management professionals who are leaving their homes to provide resources, personnel, and expertise to support a swift and efficient response.”…