Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressed gratitude to 26 states that sent emergency teams and resources to help Texas recover from devastating floods that hit the Texas Hill Country earlier this month.
The interstate assistance came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact following Abbott’s formal request for aid.
“Texas is grateful for the outpouring of support from our fellow Americans across the country as we continue to recover and rebuild after the devastating floods,” Gov. Abbott said in a July 22 press release. “The bravery and generosity of these emergency teams played a vital role in our mission to save lives and help our communities begin the road to recovery.”
The multistate response underscores the growing need for coordinated efforts across state lines in response to natural disasters. Climate-related emergencies have made such mutual aid agreements increasingly essential to alleviate the strain on overwhelmed local resources.
States sent diverse specialized teams based on Texas’s specific needs. Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin deployed swiftwater boat squads for water rescues.
Urban search and rescue teams arrived from Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Tennessee. Twelve states provided K-9 search teams to locate survivors in debris fields.
Eight states sent voluntary agency liaisons to coordinate relief efforts. Arkansas contributed National Guard Blackhawk helicopters, while Ohio sent state troopers to assist with security and traffic control.
Arizona and North Dakota provided remote aerial equipment support teams. Louisiana also sent debris management specialists to assist communities in clearing flood damage.
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact enables states to share resources during disasters while protecting deployed personnel and ensuring reimbursement for costs. The system has become increasingly vital as extreme weather events strain individual states’ response capabilities.
Texas continues to support local recovery operations in flood-affected communities. Residents can find updated information and available resources here.
“Texas will rebuild, and we thank our partners for standing with us every step of the way,” Abbott said.