AUSTIN, Texas — The State of Texas is sending emergency response resources and personnel to Louisiana to assist with Hurricane Ida relief.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that Texas is sending one helicopter, 14 crew members, 30 fire engines and 132 firefighters through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Texas A&M Task Force One is also in Louisiana helping with urban search and rescue capabilities.
The State of Louisiana requested resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The Texas Division of Emergency Management will continue to review EMAC requests regarding hurricane recovery, according to a press release from Abbott’s office.
Additional resources and personal may be sent to Louisiana if needed.
“The State of Texas is proud to support our neighbors in Louisiana by sending emergency resources and personnel to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida,” Abbott said in the release. “We will never forget the kindness, generosity, and support offered by the people of Louisiana during Hurricane Harvey four years ago, and we are eager to support them in their own time of need. When neighbors help neighbors, America is stronger. Cecilia and I continue to pray for the people of Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida and the first responders who have answered the call to protect and serve those affected by this storm.”
The Austin Fire Department said it sent nine members total along with one engine to assist.
Three AFD members were deployed on Friday, Aug. 27, with Texas Task Force 1 as part of a Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue team. They are staged in Lafayette awaiting their next assignment.
Four AFD members and one engine also deployed on Monday morning as part of an all-hazard response team requested from Louisiana. Another two AFD members deployed on Monday morning as part of the Lone Star State Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Ida made landfall in Louisiana Sunday as a Category 4 hurricane. It has since weakened to a tropical storm.
Organizations across Central Texas are also stepping up to help survivors and evacuees of Hurricane Ida. The Austin Motel is setting aside 10 rooms for evacuees who prove they are Louisiana residents.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network created the Hurricane Ida Relief fund to accept donations. It is also asking for community members to build 5,000 care kits to send to Louisiana and Texas residents most impacted by the storm.
KVUE and TEGNA are raising funds for those affected by the hurricane. Donations can be made at kvue.com/donate.
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