Utah agencies are sending people and supplies to help victims of tropical storm Harvey. Utah Task Force One, the state’s top search and rescue team sent 46 responders to Texas in order to help rescue stranded victims, says training manager Frankie Grant.
“They’re focusing mainly on the people that are sick or wheelchair-bound or kids, that couldn’t help themselves get out before” the hurricane hit, says Grant.
She adds that Utah Task Force One is helping people get to safety, where they can then be transported to a shelter.
The Utah Transit Authority donated several vans for the search and rescue team to use.
The Utah National Guard sent two Black Hawk helicopters and crews, while Salt Lake City’s Fire Department is sending 10 firefighters to Texas and the Utah Red Cross has deployed volunteers.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it sent three trucks full of water and supplies to Houston.
On Monday, the church said all missionaries in the area affected by the storm were safe. The Houston LDS temple is surrounded by water but has not flooded. It is closed until further notice.
Harvey made landfall Friday evening as a Category 4 hurricane, according to the Associated Press. It has since been downgraded to a tropical storm but continues to drop heavy rains.
