VIRGINIA BEACH — About two weeks after they were first deployed to Puerto Rico ahead of Hurricane Irma, a Virginia Beach-based search-and-rescue team is headed to the island again.
The Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team is deploying about 80 members to Puerto Rico, which is currently under a hurricane watch for Category 1 Hurricane Maria.
NPR reported Monday that Hurricane Maria is expected to strengthen as it heads toward Puerto Rico. It is expected to hit the island on Wednesday.
The task force will leave Virginia Beach sometime Monday. The team is made up of firefighters from across Hampton Roads, as well as canine handlers, medical staff, engineers and logistic technicians, according to a Virginia Beach Fire Department news release.
This hurricane season the task force has provided search-and-rescue efforts to people Texas who suffered after the state was hit by Hurricane Harvey, as well as those in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas who were impacted by Hurricane Irma.
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