Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed emergency personnel to Alaska on Thursday to assist with flood recovery efforts. The deployment follows a formal request from Alaska’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
The interstate cooperation marks another example of states mobilizing resources through mutual aid agreements as extreme weather events strain local response capabilities.
“Our hearts are with all Americans in Alaska who have been devastated by a typhoon that led to days of flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “I deployed emergency management personnel to help people and communities in Alaska as they deal with the horrific aftermath.”
The Texas Division of Emergency Management sent personnel to Alaska to assist in staffing the Emergency Operations Center, coordinating volunteer agencies, and managing donations.
The deployment operates under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a state-to-state mutual aid system. EMAC enables states to share resources across disciplines while protecting deployed personnel and ensuring reimbursement for mission costs.
Texas continues managing its own flood recovery from July’s catastrophic flooding while sending help north. The dual response highlights stretched emergency management resources nationwide.
“Texas will continue to work to help ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by the typhoon and flooding,” Abbott said. “I thank all first responders and emergency management personnel who are working around the clock to support their fellow Americans in need.”