Governor Kay Ivey announced on Thursday that a 40-person search and rescue team from South Alabama was on its way to Texas to aid in their missions following the devastating flooding the state experienced last week.
Federal and state officials are still working to locate and rescue people still missing after flash flooding ravaged central Texas, which has reportedly eclipsed a death toll of 100.
Ivey's Thursday announcement stated the team being deployed included Alabama Task Force 1 out of Mobile, Tuscaloosa Fire and Saraland Fire.
"Search and rescue remains the goal, and Alabama is going to do all we can to lend a helping hand to Texas," Ivey said. "We are heartbroken in Alabama to have lost two of our own. I pray for Sarah Marsh's family as they navigate the unimaginable loss of their precious daughter. My prayers are also with the Santanas as they grieve the loss of Camille and are still searching for three members of their family. Truly, we are all grieving alongside these Alabamians, as well as those in Texas and across our country."
The team is reportedly capable of conducting search and rescue response efforts for all hazards, including locating, accessing, medically stabilizing and extricating survivors from impacted structures and areas. Specialized operational personnel include rescue, canine search, medical, hazmat, technical search and communications.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) swiftly praised Ivey for lending the state's resources to aid Texas in its ongoing efforts.
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