As Texas continues to address the widespread flooding affecting several communities, Governor Greg Abbott has been directly involved in the state’s disaster response. Following an aerial survey of the impacted areas, Abbott held a press conference at the Hunt Store, outlining the state’s ongoing recovery efforts and the status of search operations for missing individuals. “There’s nothing more important on our hearts and minds than the people impacted, especially those who are still lost," Abbott was quoted saying in a press release.
The Governor, along with prominent state officials, highlighted the priority to locate every missing individual. In his plea for ongoing community support, Abbott urged Texans to report missing loved ones by calling or emailing established contact points, cautioning that false reports could lead to legal consequences. Texas has also set up various grief counseling services, including The Salvation Army and Hill Country Mental Health, to support those dealing with loss and trauma in the wake of the floods.
Abbott's proactive measures included a discussion with Speaker Dustin Burrows about the special session aimed at boosting Texas' resilience against future natural calamities. The state response involves over 2,100 personnel and more than 1,100 vehicles, among other significant resources. Texans affected by the flooding have been encouraged to self-report damages through iSTAT, an important step in aiding recovery and connecting people with necessary aid.
Local residents are advised to follow guidance from officials and can visit the Texas Disaster Portal for information on available resources. Governor Abbott continues to coordinate support for local authorities, having secured federal disaster assistance and updated the state’s disaster declaration.
