Governor Greg Abbott has sent more Texas emergency management personnel to Alaska to help with recovery efforts after typhoons struck the state in October. The deployment comes at the request of the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
“Texas is answering the call to assist the state of Alaska in their ongoing recovery efforts following devastating typhoons that took place in October,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed TDEM to deploy additional emergency service personnel to assist affected Alaskans with flood recovery efforts. Stepping up to help those in need is key to the spirit of Texas, and Texas emergency personnel will help Alaskans affected by the October typhoon rebuild and move forward.”
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has sent staff specializing in disaster case management, unmet needs assessments, community recovery planning, and long-term recovery operations. This latest mission adds to earlier support from Texas, which included logistics, operations, and public assistance specialists who were deployed after the storms.
The deployment is organized through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a system that allows states to share resources during disasters or emergencies. EMAC provides a framework for states to send aid across borders while ensuring reimbursement for costs and protection for deployed personnel. More information about EMAC can be found at emacweb.org.
This effort comes as Texas continues its own flood response and recovery work following severe flooding within its borders earlier this year.
