ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials announced their readiness to support Texas as the state grapples with devastating flooding that has resulted in over 100 fatalities following the July Fourth weekend.
“We’ve reached out to a number of our colleagues down in Texas and expressed our sympathy,” stated Jeremy Zidek, public information officer for Alaska’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “We’re here if you need us.”
The state of Alaska is part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement that allows states to request assistance during disasters, including flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires.
“Emergency management staff and other essential services like law enforcement or healthcare people can be sent to states in need,” Zidek shared. “We’ve utilized EMAC many times during our past disasters and have also extended our support to other states requiring assistance. For instance, we provided help during Hurricane Helene, the Maui wildfires, and various other hurricane and flood events in the United States.”
At this moment, Zidek confirmed that Alaska has not yet received an aid request from Texas but that they remain poised to respond when needed.
Alaska’s News Source reached out to Texas On Mission, a nonprofit organization involved in disaster relief, to gain insight into the situation on the ground in Texas. Rick Dilday, the Special Projects Coordinator with Texas On Mission, emphasized the emotional impact of the flooding across the state.
“This disaster has affected everyone in Texas in some way. You can’t find anyone in this big state that doesn’t know someone personally impacted by this tragedy,” Dilday remarked.
Texas On Mission is actively working on disaster relief efforts within the state. They have personnel, including chaplains, canvassing neighborhoods to assess the needs of those affected, asking both physical and emotional needs.
“We’re trying to provide what’s called a ‘box ministry’,” Dilday explained. “This involves offering cardboard boxes to families attempting to salvage their belongings while ensuring they can store them as they navigate the remediation process through insurance.”
The organization operates out of local churches, creating what resembles a self-sustaining village that meets the community’s basic needs, providing essentials like food, water, and even showers and laundry services.
“We supply our own food and resources, including electricity, showers, and laundry,” Dilday commented. “Although there is substantial support available, what we truly need is human support.”
Currently, Texas On Mission is focused on understanding the ongoing needs of the community as the flooding situation continues to evolve. The full extent of the damage remains unclear and is still unfolding.
Dilday highlighted two significant ways individuals can contribute to the relief efforts in Texas.
“The most important support we require comes from donor funds,” he articulated. “These funds are essential to maintaining our self-sustaining modes of operation with the help of volunteers.”
The second avenue for support, according to Dilday, is through prayer.
“If people in Alaska have faith, we deeply appreciate your prayers,” he expressed sincerely. “The survivors and families of victims will benefit from your thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.”
For those looking to help, Dilday emphasized that both monetary contributions and spiritual support are crucial as Texas continues to recover from this crisis.
image source from：alaskasnewssource
