Texas Floods: Governor Abbott, DHS Secretary Noem, and Officials Provide Update

Response to Devastating Texas Floods

• 🤝 Governor Abbott praised the quintessential Texas spirit of unity in the face of extraordinary devastation, emphasizing a 24/7 operation to locate every victim.
• 📢 An expanded disaster declaration was signed, adding Bear, Bernardet, Caldwell, Guadaloop, Travis, and Williamson counties to the initial declaration, with state assets and resources committed.
• 🇺🇸 Gratitude was expressed to President Trump and the Trump administration for their concern and commitment to providing federal assistance.

Federal Support and Resources

• 💔 Secretary Kristi Noem conveyed President Trump's heartbreak over the loss of life and devastation, pledging full federal government resources to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.
• 🚁 Federal assets, including Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Bortac teams, were deployed for rescue operations, with plans to deploy more air assets equipped with thermals for night searches.
• FEMA is operating at an enhanced level, fully engaged with the state operations center to provide timely and responsive support.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

• 🌊 Over 850 people were rescued or recovered in the past 36 hours by local officials, state agencies, and federal partners, showcasing heroic efforts by first responders.
• 🔍 Search efforts are ongoing across the entire river basin, utilizing air, water, and ground crews, including human and canine teams, to find all missing individuals.
• ⚠️ The focus is shifting from rescue to recovery, with a commitment to continue searching for live victims while acknowledging the diminishing chances over time.

Community Impact and Resilience

• 🏠 Devastation to properties along the Guadalupe River was significant, with a long road ahead for cleanup and rebuilding.
• 🙏 Prayers were emphasized as a crucial element of the response, with officials highlighting how prayers have made a difference in miraculous rescues and preventing further loss.
• 🗣️ Local leaders, including the Kerr County Judge and Mayor of Kerrville, expressed gratitude for the unified response from local, state, and federal agencies, emphasizing the importance of community and prayer.

Addressing Concerns and Future Preparedness

• 📞 Concerns were raised about the National Weather Service's phone alert system, with assurances that technology upgrades are ongoing to improve advance warning systems.
• 📊 The National Weather Service issued a flood watch on July 3rd, but the storm's intensity and stalled nature led to unprecedented rainfall and flooding.
• 🛠️ The federal government, through FEMA and other agencies, will provide support based on the governor's requests, with direct assistance already being provided through deployed assets and personnel.