Background on the Situation in Texas
Following instructions from Governor Samuel García Sepúlveda, the state’s Civil Protection agency has dispatched the first batch of specialized equipment to Hill Country, Texas. This includes seven units, all-terrain vehicles, K9 search dog pairs, and aerial support to assist the Texan government in locating missing individuals across multiple counties.
The recent torrential rains in central Texas over the weekend have resulted in more than 100 reported fatalities and an unknown number of people missing. The affected areas include the Guadalupe River basin, Lake Travis, and the counties of Kerr, Jeff Davis, Bandera, and Tom Green.
Nuevo León’s Civil Protection Brigade Deployment
On Tuesday, July 8th, under the direction of Nuevo León’s Civil Protection chief, Erik Cavazos, approximately 30 personnel and K9 units from the state’s specialized search-and-rescue squadron were sent to Texas.
- First Deployment: Consists of around 20 team members and six to seven units, including all-terrain vehicles, canine search teams, and watercraft like jet skis.
- Second Deployment: Scheduled for the following day, this deployment will include brigades from various municipalities within Nuevo León.
Both teams are self-sufficient for five days, carrying necessary camping gear, food, water, and other essentials. The teams are equipped with personal protective gear and have experience in water rescue operations.
Cavazos emphasized that Nuevo León’s close relationship with Texas motivated their assistance, stating, “We will contribute to these sectors affected by the intense rains resulting from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry.”
Areas of Operation and Collaboration
The Nuevo León Civil Protection Brigade is currently operating in the Guadalupe River basin, Lake Travis, and the counties of Kerr, Jeff Davis, Bandera, and Tom Green, Texas.
Cavazos mentioned in a video statement that they have received an invitation from the Kerry County Sheriff to provide support, specifically through drone search and rescue brigades and K9 canine pairs. The teams will work under an incident command structure.
Cavazos highlighted that there are “no borders for civil protection” as they aim to help communities affected by the heavy rains.
The Hill Country region is known for its sudden, heavy rainfall and challenging rescue operations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is providing assistance? Nuevo León’s Civil Protection agency is sending specialized search and rescue teams to Texas.
- What equipment is being deployed? The deployment includes all-terrain vehicles, canine search teams, watercraft, and aerial support.
- How many teams are involved? Two blocks of approximately 30 personnel and K9 units each have been dispatched, with the second block set to leave the following day.
- What areas are affected in Texas? The Guadalupe River basin, Lake Travis, and counties Kerr, Jeff Davis, Bandera, and Tom Green have been severely impacted by heavy rains.
- Why is Nuevo León assisting Texas? Due to their close relationship and the intense rains caused by Tropical Storm Barry’s remnants.
