Oklahoma Deploys Additional Swift Water Rescue Teams To Texas

Oklahoma Deploys Additional Swift Water Rescue Teams To Texas Flood Disaster

Oklahoma swift water rescue teams are once again heading to Texas after Governor Kevin Stitt authorized the deployment of additional specialized responders to assist with catastrophic flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas.

The Oklahoma swift water rescue teams include 43 highly trained emergency personnel equipped with rescue boats and specialized equipment to help local agencies conduct water rescues and evacuations as flood recovery efforts continue.

Oklahoma Sends 43 Emergency Responders To Texas

Governor Kevin Stitt deployed five Type III swift water rescue teams made up of 43 personnel, 10 rescue boats and support trailers.

The deployment was requested by the Texas Division of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), an interstate agreement that allows states to share emergency resources during disasters.

The Oklahoma responders will assist local agencies with life-saving water rescues and evacuations in flood-impacted communities.

A Type III swift water rescue team is specially trained to operate in fast-moving floodwaters using inflatable rescue boats, rope systems and specialized personal safety equipment.

First Responders From Across Oklahoma Answer The Call

The deployment includes emergency personnel from agencies across Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Yukon, Norman, Lawton, Duncan, Tahlequah, Guymon, the Quapaw Tribe and the Grand River Dam Authority.

These teams join Oklahoma Task Force 1 and other Oklahoma responders who were already working in Texas on ongoing flood response and rescue operations.

State officials said the additional deployment strengthens the emergency response as local and state agencies continue searching flooded areas, assisting displaced residents and supporting recovery efforts.

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact allows participating states to quickly send trained personnel and equipment wherever they are needed during large-scale disasters.

Oklahoma Continues Mutual Aid Efforts

Oklahoma has a long history of providing mutual aid to neighboring states during hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and major flooding events.

Officials say the deployment reflects the state's commitment to helping neighboring communities when disasters overwhelm local resources.

The rescue teams will remain in Texas for as long as they are needed or until the mission is completed.

Emergency management officials continue encouraging residents in flood-affected areas to follow evacuation orders and monitor local emergency alerts as dangerous conditions can change rapidly.

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