Governor Abbott: More Aid for Central Texas Storm Victims, 131 Confirmed Deaths

Disaster Declaration and Death Toll

• 🚨 Governor Greg Abbott has declared 21 counties in Texas as part of a governor disaster declaration following recent floods.
• 💔 The confirmed death toll from the floods has reached 131 people, with 101 still reported missing statewide.

Search and Recovery Efforts

• 🔍 Search and recovery operations, particularly in areas like Kerr County, are ongoing but facing delays due to incoming rain.
• 🌊 Volunteers in Kerr County were advised to move to higher ground, impacting the 24/7 search efforts which could take months.
• 😥 The stories of those swept away are described as gut-wrenching, motivating continued efforts to find missing individuals.

Assistance Programs

• 🏘️ Residents of Kerr County are eligible to apply for FEMA's individual assistance program.
• 🏢 The county itself is also eligible for FEMA assistance, while businesses must apply for disaster loans through the Small Business Administration.
• ⏳ The recovery process is complicated by the ongoing search for missing loved ones.