Montgomery, AL – On Thursday, July 10, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Alabama is sending a specialized 40-person search and rescue team to Texas to assist in response efforts following the deadly flooding that swept through the Texas Hill Country. The deployment includes Alabama Task Force 1 out of Mobile, as well as personnel from the Tuscaloosa and Saraland Fire Departments.
“Search and rescue remains the goal, and Alabama is going to do all we can to lend a helping hand to Texas,” said Governor Ivey. “We are heartbroken in Alabama to have lost two of our own.”
Governor Ivey expressed deep condolences for the victims, including eight-year-old Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook and Camille Santana of Mobile, who died in the floodwaters. Members of the Santana family—Eddie Sr., Elena, and granddaughter Mila Rose—remain missing. “Truly, we are all grieving alongside these Alabamians, as well as those in Texas and across our country,” Ivey added.
The Alabama team is trained to respond to a range of hazards and emergencies, including structural collapse, hazardous materials, and complex rescues. The deployment will operate in rotating 12-hour shifts for up to 14 days.
Governor Ivey also ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff until sunrise on Monday, July 14, in honor of those who lost their lives, including the victims from Alabama.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) also addressed the tragedy from the Senate floor, honoring the lives lost and expressing her sorrow over the deaths of Sarah Marsh and Camille Santana. She commended the first responders and volunteers risking their lives to help others.
“I join my colleagues, I join the people of Alabama, the people across this nation in mourning today for the loss of her precious life and the lives of other fellow campers and counselors,” said Britt. “We have seen the better part of humanity through the more than 1,700 emergency responders… To the heroic first responders who continue to conduct search and rescue, your country offers you the deepest gratitude.”
Governor Ivey concluded her remarks by urging Alabamians to keep Texas in their thoughts: “I am grateful to all those who are part of the search and rescue mission, and I pray for their safety and for the success of their mission. Y’all, pray for Texas!”
