Texas National Guard partners with Czech team to aid flood recovery efforts

In July 2025, devastating floods struck Texas, prompting extensive rescue and recovery efforts by the Texas National Guard. With over 100 individuals missing, additional international assistance was summoned, notably a specialized team from the Czech Republic, consisting of sixteen civilians and four cadaver dogs. Their arrival was coordinated by National Guard Bureau Chief General Steve Nordhaus, who visited Kerrville, Texas, for updates on the ongoing efforts. Since the floods began on July 4, around 230 members of the Texas National Guard have been actively engaged in rescue operations, utilizing helicopters to evacuate those in danger. Among notable rescues was an operation where two Guard helicopters evacuated 130 children from Camp Mystic, a summer camp severely impacted by the floods, which resulted in at least 27 fatalities among campers and counselors. Governor Greg Abbott commended the National Guard for their swift action during a flight to assess the situation over the Guadalupe River, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing search efforts for missing individuals. The partnership between Texas and the Czech Republic, established in 1993 under the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, proves vital in this crisis. This collaboration allows both parties to provide mutual aid during emergencies; the Czech team assisting Texas now follows Texas’ support during last year’s flooding in Ostrava, where they offered aerial assessments using drones. The mutual support underscores the enduring relationship between the two regions and the principle of inter-state and inter-country cooperation in disaster response. As authorities and the National Guard continue their recovery operations, they are also supported by additional personnel and resources from various states, including Arkansas, Arizona, and North Dakota. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the commitment to providing immediate assistance and ensuring thorough recovery operations in the wake of disasters. The situation remains critical, with intensive searches ongoing to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic incident.