Louisiana search and rescue teams sent to Texas for flood response

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana has sent teams to support Texas after catastrophic flooding over the weekend in the Hill Country.

The death toll has reached over 80 as of Monday morning. President Donald Trump approved federal disaster assistance Sunday and is expected to visit the state this week.

“Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement.

Personnel from Louisiana Task Force 2 (LATF-2) and Task Force 3 (LATF-3) deployed to Texas July 5. LATF-2 includes firefighters from the Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and East Side Fire Departments, while LATF-3 is made up of members of the Shreveport Fire Department.

“Our dedicated Louisiana firefighters are on their way to assist with the tragic flooding scene in Texas. I am incredibly proud of our teams and their unwavering willingness to stand alongside our sister states in times of need. We are truly ‘One Team,'” Principal Assistant with the Department of Public Safety Bryan J. Adams said Sunday.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s office said more support may be deployed to Texas if needed. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will be monitoring requests for assistance.

“Louisiana will always answer the call to help our neighbors in need. Our first responders are among the best in the nation, and these men and women will always step up when disaster strikes. Louisiana stands with Texas, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to assist in their recovery,” Landry said.

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