PA Task Force 1 heads to Texas to assist with rescue and recovery efforts

A group of specially trained Pennsylvanians is being deployed to Texas in the wake of the deadly flooding that has claimed the lives of at least 100 people.

On Monday evening, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that members of Pennsylvania Task Force 1 (PA-TF1) would be departing in the next 24 hours to lead a “multi-state support team for search, rescue, and vital response” in Texas.

“On behalf of our entire Commonwealth, we’re praying for Texas — and every family who is mourning the loss of a loved one tonight,” Shapiro wrote on social media.

PA-TF1 is supported by over two dozen participating agencies, which includes the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), multiple cities throughout the state, as well as universities and hospitals.

The task force is a part of the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response Team, which was established under the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1989.

The team can be deployed within six hours to respond to various emergency situations. It is made up of 70 members who specialize in search, rescue, medicine, hazardous materials, logistics and planning.

Their most recent deployment was last fall to North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene. The Category 4 hurricane, resulted in at least 200 people being killed and thousands left without power.