Texas A&M Task Force 1 continues deployment in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene

BURNSVILLE, North Carolina. (KBTX) -Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) continues its deployment in North Carolina, assisting with search and rescue operations in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The task force, which deployed 11 days ago, remains focused on wide area searches and providing logistical support to residents affected by the hurricane.

The task force, a FEMA- and a state-recognized team specializing in urban search and rescue, water rescues, and disaster response, was originally deployed to Florida on Sept. 24 in anticipation of Hurricane Helene's landfall. After completing initial operations in Florida, the team was reassigned to North Carolina, where it has been working alongside local agencies in the mountainous terrain of Yancey County.

TX-TF1, which includes firefighters and rescue professionals from across Texas, has deployed to numerous disasters in the past, including Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks. Their current mission in North Carolina is part of a larger, nationwide response to Hurricane Helene, which has caused widespread damage throughout the region.

Landon Stallings, the task force leader for TX-TF1 during this deployment, says that the mountainous environment presented unique challenges compared to the coastal areas where the team typically operates.

"The speed of the water here, combined with the 29 inches of rainfall, scoured the soil and moved a great deal of earth," Stallings said. "We've been working to assess damage in stream beds, roads, and properties across the county."

The task force has been conducting searches in Burnsville, the largest town in Yancey County, and surrounding areas. According to Stallings, TX-TF1 is nearing the completion of its initial search operations but is prepared to stay as long as local officials need assistance.

Nationwide, the death toll from helene has risen to 227. In North Carolina, officials have confirmed 89 fatalities, with 8 in Yancey County, where the team is deployed.

"It's a lot of work. It's a lot of the same work where we're going and trying to touch every structure in the county and make sure that everyone has been checked on," said Stallings.

Stallings, a veteran of disaster response, says the scale of damage is similar to previous deployments like Hurricane Katrina in 2005 which according to the National Weather Service caused more than 1,800 deaths and more than $105 billion in damage.

"The task force has a strong history of service and we've deployed many events, the first of which is 9/11. On a personal level, my first incident was Hurricane Katrina. And the size of that incident is very much like this one, where there's extreme impact, and it impacts a lot of people here," Stallings added.

Despite the devastation, Stallings says the resilience of the local community "has been remarkable".

"It's in a rugged mountain community, and these are rugged, can-do people. When we got here, they were active in searching, rescuing themselves, fixing their roads, and getting back to normal," said Stallings.

As TX-TF1 continues to assist in the recovery effort, they are grateful for the support and encouragement from Texans and others nationwide. Stallings added that the team will remain in place until their local leaders say they're no longer needed.

"Even though it's a disaster and we have resources from many places, what occurs next is determined by the local officials, and we're here and committed to work as long as they need us.," said Stallings. "We're thankful for Texas A&M Task Force 1 being created and allowing firefighters and other professionals from throughout the state to have a place to come and serve and reach out with some of the best and brightest talents in the rescue industry and provide that service throughout the nation."