Task Force 1 crews share update from Texas flood zone

For the first time since their arrival, we’re hearing from members of Oklahoma Task Force 1 as they continue intense rescue operations in flood-stricken areas of Texas.

The team, made up of emergency responders from Tulsa and Oklahoma City, arrived near Austin over the weekend and quickly began assisting local officials with water rescues. Since then, they’ve been deployed to several communities hit hard by flooding, including the area near Camp Mystic, where the damage is most severe.

From Tulsa to Texas: Into the flood zone

Task Force 1 checked in with Texas emergency managers shortly after arriving and was immediately dispatched to help people trapped by rising water. They’ve rescued drivers from stranded vehicles and residents from flooded homes.

As of Wednesday morning, they are stationed in Kerrville, Texas, working in one of the hardest-hit regions. The team’s K9 unit is also helping expand the search area for those who may still be missing.

‘They know our faces:’ Coordination built on past training

Task Force 1 Coordinator Matt Bell said the team’s recent training with Texas emergency officials helped them quickly adapt to the mission.

“When communities experience these terrible disasters it's really nice when people coming into your community show up and see your face, they know you, they know your skill set — and I think that's a great compliment to Oklahoma Task Force 1,” Bell said.

That familiarity, Bell said, is making a real difference in the speed and efficiency of response efforts.

Emotional toll on crews: ‘Extremely difficult’ rescues

Beyond the physical demands, Bell acknowledged the emotional weight of the work, especially when children are involved.

“Obviously it's difficult any time you lose anyone, and when you think about kids being in this incident it becomes extremely difficult and challenging for our team because they want to get out there and find every last person,” Bell said.

Task Force 1 members are attending daily safety briefings to manage risk and stay mentally focused amid ongoing storms.

Crews staying in Texas as storms continue

Bell says both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City teams are doing well and remain focused as they continue rescue efforts. Officials expect them to stay in Texas for several more days.

Once the mission is over, the team will go through a mental health debrief to check in on all members and help them process what they’ve seen.