The state of Texas has stepped in to aid South Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with Governor Greg Abbott announcing the deployment of state resources to assist in debris removal efforts. In a statement, Abbott emphasized Texas' readiness to support fellow Americans in times of need, saying, "Texas will continue to answer the call to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild." This announcement came on the heels of a request made by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to help clear the substantial storm debris that has affected South Carolina's state parks and other areas.
Abbott's commitment to assisting following the recent hurricane was detailed, noting that Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) personnel would be on the ground to help with the clearing operations. The Governor extended thoughts and prayers from himself and First Lady Cecilia Abbott to all those impacted by the hurricane in a statement released earlier by the Office of the Texas Governor. The gesture reflects a broader effort by Texas to render aid to southeastern states battered by recent storms.
As part of its multi-state support initiative under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), Texas has sent various teams of emergency personnel, including state law enforcement and urban search and rescue teams, to Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton and to other states affected by Helene. EMAC arrangements allow for states to extend a helping hand swiftly and ensure that personnel are protected and costs associated with missions are reimbursed.
Among other resources mobilized are emergency veterinary services and power generators, highlighting the wide-ranging response capabilities Texas has provided. Incident Support Task Force personnel have also been deployed to aid local emergency operations centers in North Carolina, further exhibiting Texas' commitment to helping communities get back on their feet post-Helene. Other efforts reported by Governor Abbott include assisting in veterinary support services and power restoration in areas hit hardest by the storm.
