Gov. Abbott says search and rescue efforts continue after deadly flooding in Central Texas; more counties added to federal disaster declaration
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said search and rescue efforts continue after the deadly floods in Central Texas as crews work to remove debris from roads and bridges. The governor said search parties still include many out-of-state volunteers and dog teams.
Over 100 people remain missing statewide. The majority of the missing, 97, are from Kerr County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. More than 130 people have been confirmed dead. A large majority of the flooding deaths occurred in Kerr County, where officials have confirmed at least 106 people died.
Abbott said many of the missing are difficult to identify because there was no record of them logging in anywhere, like a camp or hotel.
Additional Central Texas counties added to federal disaster declaration
Abbott also announced on Monday that the federal government has updated President Donald Trump's disaster declaration to include Burnet, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and Tom Green counties for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program.
"President Trump's approval of my request to add more counties to his disaster declaration is another critical step to get Texans the support they need to recover," Abbott said. "Burnet, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and Tom Green counties are now eligible for crucial public assistance to rebuild. Texas continues to work around-the-clock to help every impacted community heal and rebuild."
Qualifying Texans in the following counties remain eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance program: Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson. Texans can apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at or by calling 800-621-3362.
Abbott activates state emergency response resources as more storms threaten Central Texas
One week after severe flooding devastated Central Texas, on Friday, Abbott activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of more severe weather and potential flash flooding across Texas this weekend.
"Texas continues to stand ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe storms move across our state," Abbott said in a news release.
The governor said swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1 have been deployed to assist local storm response efforts, complementing ongoing flood response and recovery operations throughout the state.
Officials ordered volunteer crews to temporarily suspend search operations near the river in Kerr County on Monday as the area hit hardest by catastrophic flash flooding on July 4 faced a renewed flood threat. Search and recovery efforts were initially paused early Sunday and later resumed, although officials continued to warn of ongoing flooding threats.
