Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the addition of 10 counties to the federal disaster declaration after the state's encounter with severe flooding, a move approved by former President Donald J. Trump. The declaration now includes Edwards, Guadalupe, Kimble, Lampasas, McCulloch, Menard, Real, Reeves, Schleicher, and Sutton counties. The Governor thanked the former President, saying, "This approval will help Texas families and communities rebuild after the catastrophic floods that impacted so many Texans across our state," according to the Office of the Texas Governor announcement.
Residents in four counties, specifically Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch, and Menard, can now access federal aid through FEMA Individual Assistance programs. These areas suffered damage, which, upon assessment, exceeded the federal criteria for such support. Meanwhile, the other six counties are set to benefit from FEMA's Public Assistance Program to address the needs for emergency work and rehabilitation of facilities. Flood victims can apply for aid online at disasterassistance.gov or by dialing 800-621-3362, a number that struggling Texan households may call, dictated by the urgency of their battered homesteads.
The state's workforce agency, Texas Workforce Commission, has also opened the gates for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in several counties, extending a lifeline to workers and self-employed individuals disrupted by the severe weather. These Texans, suffering from a lack of work due to the floods, are compelled to apply before the deadline of September 4, 2025, with applications funneled through Unemployment Benefit Services or by making calls to TWC at (800) 939-6631 within certain business hours. Details such as their Social Security number and proof of employment or impending employment at the time of the disaster need to be provided, which Texans can do through the TWC's online portal, according to the same state news release.
Engulfed in not only water but a bureaucratic need to address the widespread damage, Governor Abbott has been proactive, securing vital assistance and directing resources to facilitate the state's recovery. Rushing to meet the needs of his state, he has conducted tours of affected areas, surveyed damage with military officials, and interacted with federal authorities to expedite support. The Governor's efforts include the expansion of the state's disaster declaration, pressing for the inclusion of additional counties in federal disaster declarations, and engaging with local officials to orchestrate a coordinated response to floods, while the residents of Texas watch await, hoping every form filled hastens their journey back to normalcy.
