In a press conference held at the Hill Country Youth Event Center, Governor Greg Abbott outlined Texas' actions in response to significant flooding in Kerr County and its environs, issuing a disaster declaration for a total of 15 affected counties. Abbott was quoted emphasizing the state's reliance on divine intervention during such challenging times, asserting that "This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever," as reported by the State of Texas.
Abbott, alongside key state and local officials including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, reiterated the ongoing search and rescue operations, Texas' readiness to deploy necessary resources, and acknowledgment of federal support, the Governor stated during the coverage by the State of Texas, "As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.” The disaster-hit counties include Bandera, Coke, Comal and others, with provisions to add more as the situation evolves.
Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, and Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring were among the officials joining the Governor at the press conference, reflecting a unified front in managing the disaster response. According to the State of Texas, more than 1,000 state responders have been deployed, along with over 800 vehicles and equipment assets.
Flood response strategies have been escalated, with TDEM raising the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II, the resources were enacted ahead of the intensifying rainfall, and the Governor's remarks during the press conference asserted that state agencies are committed to assist those impacted by the deluge and every missing person will be accounted for. Texans in the afflicted areas are advised to heed local officials' directives and can access aid through the Texas Disaster Portal, with information gathered from engagement by the State of Texas.
The scope of the disaster and the state's response indicates a substantial mobilization of state and federal resources in the wake of the Hill Country flooding. Local communities can anticipate ongoing support as Texas confronts the aftermath of this natural disaster and works towards recovery.
