Nevada Task Force 1 Returns from Texas Flood Response

After nearly three weeks in Kerr County, Texas, members of Nevada Task Force 1 are heading home to Las Vegas. The 47-person team deployed on July 8 to assist federal and local agencies responding to deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River.

The deployment focused on difficult terrain that other units couldn’t reach. Emergency responders from six Southern Nevada jurisdictions and four trained K9s worked through debris, mud, and heat to locate the missing and clear flood-ravaged areas.

Rescue workers and heavy machinery clear debris from a flooded area, showcasing the challenging terrain after recent flooding.

FEMA’s trusted Nevada-based search unit

Nevada Task Force 1 is the only FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team in the state. It is led by the Clark County Fire Department and includes members from Las Vegas Fire, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Because FEMA funds all deployment costs, local departments can respond without financial strain.

Swift action in remote areas

As conditions shifted, Nevada Task Force 1 remained fully engaged. Even after the number of reported missing persons dropped to three, crews worked without pause. Teams used boats to reach isolated locations, conducting secondary searches through debris piles along the riverbanks. These actions ensured that no victims were left behind.

Reinforced K9 teams improve coverage

Six additional K9 units arrived midway through the mission. As floodwaters receded, crews moved faster. The search dogs, working alongside experienced handlers, helped verify that each assigned zone was cleared. As a result, overall progress accelerated in the final days.

A group of members from Nevada Task Force 1 gathered outside, some in uniform and others in casual clothing, during a break from their deployment efforts in Texas.

Press briefing scheduled for early next week

A media availability will take place early next week. Returning team members will answer questions and share insights from the deployment. Recently released photos show the difficult terrain, operational setup, and the strength of interagency teamwork.

Their work matters more than ever

Each mission highlights why Nevada Task Force 1 is so vital. In Texas, they delivered fast, organized, and precise help when every hour counted. Their impact continues to grow as natural disasters increase nationwide. I believe this team has more than earned national respect—and will continue setting the standard.

Editor-at-Large Alan Merritt

Administrator

Alan Merritt is an international journalist and editor with over 12 years of experience across global news, television, and magazine media. Based in Las Vegas, with ties to New York and Paris, he serves as Editor-at-Large at Just Now News, a leading platform recognized for its Unscripted, Unfiltered, Unmissable coverage. In this role, he contributes a wide range of stories spanning human interest, culture, business, technology, and global affairs, bringing depth, clarity, and a global perspective to every piece.

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