Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include more counties and requested a federal disaster declaration as severe flooding continues to impact Central Texas and the Hill Country.
Speaking during a press conference alongside U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Abbott said the state will “be relentless” in locating missing persons and assisting those affected by the devastating weather.
“We will be relentless in going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who's been a victim of this flooding event,” Abbott said. “We're not going to stop today or tomorrow. This is a 24/7 operation, looking for Texans and Americans. They are our top priority and we will find every one of them.”
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, and Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin also joined the briefing.
Following the press conference, Abbott and Noem surveyed flood damage at Camp Mystic and met with camp leaders.
More than 1,300 state personnel and 900 vehicles and equipment have been deployed to respond to the crisis, according to the governor’s office. Over 15 state agencies are currently involved in the response efforts.
The updated disaster declaration now includes Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties. These are in addition to the 16 counties listed in the original declaration: Bandera, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba and Tom Green.
Abbott also increased the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) and directed additional state resources to prepare for further rainfall and flash flooding across West and Central Texas.
In response to the devastation, Abbott declared Sunday, July 6, a Day of Prayer across Texas.
“Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience,” he said. “Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength.”
He urged Texans to join in prayer for the lives lost, those still missing, the recovery of impacted communities, and the safety of emergency responders.
Texans are encouraged to follow local officials’ guidance and find up-to-date information and resources on the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
