Nebraska Task Force One provides update on rescue operations in Arkansas

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Task Force One provided an update Monday on its rescue operations in Arkansas.

Task Force Leader Dan Ripley said excessive rainfall has damaged communities across the region.

“Nebraska Task Force One is here in Arkansas as a part of a coordinated federal response effort supporting the state at their request due to severe flooding and excessive rainfall impacting communities across the Region,” he said in a statement.

Capt. Ashley Engler, the task force program manager, said the team has been working in several locations since Friday.

Engler said Task Force One has performed reconnaissance in high-risk areas, responded when called upon for 911 requests and has completed several water rescues.

“One occupant was stranded in their vehicle and surrounded by water,” Engler said in a statement. “NE-TF1 quickly moved in to execute a high-risk rescue in dangerous swift water & rising flood conditions to ensure the safe rescue of the occupant.”

The task force will continue to respond to all requests from local agencies, according to Engler.

“As of now, there is no time frame for return,” she said.

But the task force brought enough equipment for 14 days.

“We provide specialized capabilities,” Ripley said, including wide searches and assessing the safety of buildings in hazardous environments.