Holcomb Orders Harvey Relief Assistance

Holcomb says the Regional Cities Initiative is part of his administration's agenda.

The state of Indiana is adding to relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Governor Eric Holcomb has authorized the deployment of support and resources from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Natural Resources. The Indiana National Guard has also begun preparations to mobilize guardsmen and resources, if necessary.

Two DNR swift water rescue teams will head to Texas, along with a team of first responders from the IDHS District 4 Task Force, which normally covers Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties. The IDHS will also release more than 200,000 MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, from its inventory.

"When another state is devastated by a natural disaster, Indiana is committed to providing resources to help response and recovery efforts," said Holcomb. "We are ready when called to serve and respond. I pray for the safety of all the citizens, first responders and volunteers in the days and weeks to come."

Holcomb’s office says the swift water rescue teams will conduct search and rescue operations, provide basic life support and medical care, transport stranded residents to rescue locations and support other urban and air search and rescue efforts. 

IDHS Director Bryan Langley says his team is "ready to lend whatever help we can to assist the families affected by this disaster."