Disasters

Minnesota K-9 unit to help with search and recovery efforts after Texas flash flooding

Search and rescue teams comb the banks of a flooded river
Search and rescue teams comb the banks of the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas, on Saturday, just over a week after a deadly flash flood swept through the area.
Eric Gay | AP

A Minnesota K-9 unit is heading to Texas to assist with search and recovery efforts after this month’s devastating flash floods.

The K-9 unit is from one of two urban search and rescue units in the state. They’re trained to help in the aftermath of structural collapse, and with other search and rescue strategies — including searches over a wide area.

Officials in Texas say more than 160 people are still missing after heavy rains caused flash flooding on the Guadalupe River. More than 130 people were killed. 

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced the K-9 unit’s plans to help on Saturday. 

“As search and recovery missions continue, I’m incredibly grateful to our Minnesota Task Force 1 K-9 Unit for stepping up and traveling to assist our neighbors in this time of tragedy,” Walz said in a statement. “We know their heroic work will make a difference.”

The team is traveling to Texas as part of a mutual aid agreement for emergency response among the 50 states. 

Search crews in Texas paused their efforts for several hours Sunday, as heavy rains triggered more flooding in the region. They resumed work late Sunday afternoon.

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