Rapid response teams mobilized amid Texas flooding
Helicopter crews from multiple agencies continue high-risk rescue missions after devastating flash floods
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing across Texas, USA, after flash flooding, triggered by intense rainfall early on Friday 4 July, caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly, inundating the Texas Hill Country. Officials have confirmed at least 82 fatalities, with many still missing as search operations continue.
According to the Texas government, emergency response resources have been mobilized statewide, including more than 1,500 personnel and 925 vehicles and equipment assets to support disaster relief across the affected areas. Aerial search and rescue (SAR) operations have played a central role, with both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft equipped with hoist systems conducting high-risk evacuations and swiftwater rescues.
Key responding agencies include Texas A&M Task Force 1, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas National Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife, County STAR Flight, and the US Coast Guard. These agencies have brought a range of capabilities to the response effort, including hoist-equipped helicopters, aerial swiftwater rescue teams, and specialized swiftwater rescue boat squads.
According to an update shared by the Texas Military Department on Sunday, aerial rescue operations using UH-60 Black Hawks equipped with hoist systems had conducted 361 successful air evacuations.
Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard reported that Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a request for immediate air support on Friday from Texas A&M Task Force 1, targeting the Kerrville area, one of the regions most severely affected by the flooding. In response, the Coast Guard deployed two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft to support rescue operations.
Captain Ulysses S Mullins, the Coast Guard Heartland District Chief of Staff, commented: “The preservation of life during this incident is our top priority, which is why the Coast Guard is working with the State of Texas alongside other responding agencies to ensure that every asset on scene is able to coordinate, communicate and respond as safety and quickly as possible.”
In July’s edition of AirMed&Rescue, Christian Gadbois shared insights on pre-planning for swiftwater rescues.