Texas Ag Commissioner on Devastating Flooding and Relief Efforts

Devastating Impact of Texas Flooding

• 💔 The flooding in Texas has caused widespread devastation, with hundreds of miles of fencing gone, crops underwater, and equipment washed away.
• 🐄 Tragically, livestock, including cattle, have been found deceased in trees, highlighting the extreme nature of the disaster.
• 🌊 The rapid rise of floodwaters, described as the amount that would go over Niagara Falls in a month and a half in just 45 minutes, left many unable to evacuate.

Agricultural Relief and Support

• 🆘 The State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) fund has been activated to provide direct aid to rural communities for rebuilding fences, buildings, and burying deceased livestock.
• 🌾 A hay and feed hotline has been established for donations and to assist those in need of these essential supplies, including transportation.
• 🤝 Texans are demonstrating resilience by helping their neighbors and communities, rather than waiting for external aid.

Mental Health and Warning Systems

• 🧠 An agricultural mental health helpline is being extended to all Texans, offering support for those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, or homes.
• 📞 The number for the aggra stress helpline is 833-897-2474, available 24/7 for those needing resources and support.
• ⚠️ The need for improved alert systems, including sirens, is being considered to provide better warnings, especially for those in areas without reliable cell service.
• 🚨 The challenge of phone notification systems being on sleep mode during critical overnight hours is being addressed in upcoming legislative sessions.