LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Two seven-member teams from the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management remain deployed in Texas as communities face the ongoing threat of severe flash flooding.
Arkansas Task Force One began its deployment last week after Texas requested assistance. The teams have been pre-positioned in areas considered most at risk and are standing by to assist with swiftwater rescues if needed.
The deployment includes firefighters from the North Little Rock, Little Rock and Conway fire departments, along with members of the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management.
Wesley Stephens, a member of Arkansas Task Force One and chief of the North Little Rock Fire Department, said one of the biggest dangers of flash flooding is that it can occur even when conditions appear calm.
“People say, ‘What are you talking about?’ It’s like, well, it rained in the northern areas and it’s just working its way down through here,” Stephens said. “They’re not really aware that there’s a threat moving downstream. That’s why it’s important for us to be here.”
Stephens said floodwaters can rise rapidly as rainfall from upstream areas moves downstream, catching people off guard even if there has been no recent rain where they are.
Arkansas Task Force One has responded to disasters across Texas, Louisiana, Florida and New Mexico during its more than 15 years of service. Stephens said each deployment provides valuable experience that strengthens emergency response efforts back home.
The Arkansas teams remain on standby to support Texas emergency managers with water rescues if flooding develops.
Officials said the teams could return to Arkansas as soon as Thursday, depending on weather conditions and operational needs.