GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated the entire state’s National Guard force Monday in response to catastrophic flooding throughout south Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey.
Abbot’s office noted the decision will bring the total number of deployed guardsman to 12,000 in response to the crisis and would continue to serve throughout the recovery process. Nearly 30,000 Texas residents could be housed in temporary shelters after the storm and rain is expected to last for the next several days.
“This new mobilization by Governor Abbott send those who are physically able, not currently deployed, preparing to deploy or in a combat preparation cycle to answer the call for help and assist their fellow Texans in need,” his office noted in a statement.
#Breaking Gov @GregAbbott_TX has activated all of the Texas National Guard. About 12,000 ready to help in #Harvey flooding pic.twitter.com/Ekz39OqowK
— Omar Villafranca (@OmarVillafranca) August 28, 2017
Abbot previously mobilized approximately 3,000 guardsman Sunday to assist in recovery efforts as rain continues to batter down on Houston and the surrounding area. “It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm,” he noted.
The Texas National Guard will work in tandem with federal troops deployed to the area to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Several other states have pledged their own National Guard resources to assist in operations.
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