Texas Governor Greg Abbott Addresses Deadly Flooding After Surveying Damage

Devastating Flooding and Response Efforts

• 💔 Governor Abbott expresses deep sorrow for the victims and their families, stating that the hearts of Texans are breaking daily for those affected by the catastrophic flooding.
• 🎯 The primary job remains locating everyone affected by the flood, especially those still missing, with a commitment to not leaving until the job is done.
• ✈️ A flyover provided a fuller perspective of the widespread and catastrophic damage, highlighting the need for comprehensive rebuilding efforts.

Fatalities and Missing Persons Update

• 📈 Governor Abbott reported 94 fatalities from the local flooding event, bringing the statewide total to 109, with more fatalities than Hurricane Harvey in Kerr and Kendall counties alone.
• 🏕️ For Camp Mystic, the number of missing has decreased to five campers and one counselor, plus one additional missing child, totaling seven missing in Kerr County.
• 📞 A significant number of 161 people are known to be missing in the Kerr County area alone, with a call center and website established for public reporting.

State and Federal Support

• 🇺🇸 The immediate granting of a major disaster declaration by President Trump has accelerated access to funding and resources for debris removal and individual/public assistance.
• 🤝 The state is working to repair roads, restore utilities, and provide assistance to individuals and public entities affected by the storm.
• 🏥 A public health emergency is being declared to facilitate out-of-state healthcare and mental health providers assisting the affected areas.

Legislative and Investigative Actions

• 🏛️ A special legislative session is planned in two weeks to address the issues arising from the flood, with the Texas House ready to listen and help.
• 🔍 Investigations into the events leading up to the flood will begin, with committees forming to address the disaster.
• 💡 The focus is on finding solutions and making communities more resilient, rather than assigning blame, emphasizing a championship mindset.

Community Resilience and Support

• 🤝 The spirit of Texans is highlighted, with people coming together to volunteer, help neighbors, and begin rebuilding efforts, demonstrating resilience.
• 🛠️ The Texas National Guard and various federal, state, and local partners are committed to search and rescue, evacuation, and community recovery.
• 🙏 Support is being provided through grief counselors, individual assistance programs, and public assistance for rebuilding infrastructure.