Virginia Beach Emergency Management Staff Deploy to Alaska for Disaster Flood Response

Virginia Beach Emergency Management staff members are deploying to Alaska to assist with catastrophic flooding from the remnants of Typhoon Halung.   

Request for assistance came from an inter-state Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Virginia Beach staff will be part of the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team joining a blended Virginia Incident Management Team. 

One team member has already deployed. Response and Recovery Program Manager Andy Booden will serve as the operations section chief in the Alaska State Emergency Operations Center. Another Virginia Beach staff member may be deployed as well. 

“This deployment highlights the expertise and dedication of the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Management staff,” said Dave Topczynski, director of Emergency Management. “Time and again, our team answers the call when the unthinkable happens – sharing our knowledge to assist others while gaining invaluable, real-world experience that strengthens our city’s overall resilience and preparedness.” 

The deployment is expected to continue through Oct. 30.