Texas Flooding: Governor Abbott's Update on Fatalities, Missing Persons, and Recovery Efforts

Devastating Hill Country Floods

• 💔 Governor Greg Abbott expressed deep sorrow for the victims of the Hill Country flooding, particularly the young girls from Camp Mystic.
• 🌊 The event is described as a "tsunami wave of water" that caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.

Current Statistics and Search Efforts

• 📉 109 fatalities have been confirmed statewide, with 94 in the Hill Country area alone, surpassing Hurricane Harvey in fatalities for Kerr and Kendall counties.
• 📍 161 people are currently missing in the Kerr County area, a number derived from combined law enforcement efforts.
• 🔍 Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with DPS, National Guard, and federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and HSI deployed.

State and Federal Response

• 🏛️ Governor Abbott emphasized Texas's commitment to the affected communities, promising not to leave until the job is finished.
• 🇺🇸 A major disaster declaration granted by President Trump has expedited access to funding and resources for debris removal and assistance for individuals and public entities.
• 🤝 Support is being provided by multiple states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, with resources like Blackhawk helicopters and MQ9 Reapers.

Legislative and Community Action

• 🗓️ A special legislative session is planned in two weeks to address issues related to the storm, focusing on community resilience and resource allocation.
• 🗣️ Both Governor Abbott and Speaker Dustin Burrows stressed the importance of listening to community members and experts to develop effective legislation.
• 🙏 Grief counselors are available for affected families, and efforts are underway to rebuild damaged infrastructure, including roads and utilities.

Public Assistance and Information

• 📞 A dedicated phone number (830-258-1111) and website (kurvillemissingdps.texas.gov) have been established for reporting missing persons.
• ⚠️ Prank calls or false information are discouraged as they hinder rescue efforts.
• 🏠 Disaster recovery centers will be opening to assist individuals and public entities affected by the storm.