After devastating tornadoes swept through five states including Kentucky overnight, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has approved the activation of a task force to assist in the search and rescue efforts.
The Governor's office says they were asked to assist in Kentucky by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Governor Greg Abbott has approved the activation of 10 Texas A&M Task Force 1 personnel to deploy the Central Incident Support Team cache, which is part of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue System, in response to the catastrophic tornadoes that occurred in Western Kentucky overnight," a press release said.
The equipment being supplied by this cache includes "specialized technical gear and command, control, and communication equipment," the release went on to say.
"The State of Texas stands ready to assist our friends in Kentucky as they continue their response and recovery efforts in the wake of deadly tornadoes that shook the western portion of their state overnight," Abbott said. "Thank you to the members of Texas A&M Task Force 1 who are making their way to Western Kentucky to help those in need. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for those affected by these horrific tornadoes."
At this time it is believed that at least 70 people have been killed as a result of the storms, with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear describing it as "the most devastating tornado event in our state’s history."
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