Recent Flooding in Central Texas
Situation Update
AUSTIN — The statewide death toll from the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas earlier this month has risen to 135 and dozens more remain missing, Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday.
Abbott provided an update on the Texas floods during a news conference while in San Angelo, where one person died in the July 4 floods.
Abbott outlined how state and local authorities continue to assist as recovery efforts shift toward rebuilding and assessing the local and state disaster response.
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Legislative Response
To that end, Abbott has called on the Texas Legislature to create new laws during a special session that begins on Monday. He wants legislation to provide relief funding for flood ravaged parts of Texas, improve disaster preparedness and communications and streamline government response to disasters.
Abbott said lawmakers will create legislation “that will make preparation for these types of events better, make response to these types of events better to make sure that we we leave this disaster in a way that puts Texas in a better position going forward than we were before this devastating storm hit our state.”
Flood Impact
The state experienced widespread flooding across Central Texas, the Hill Country and South Texas. It began when the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry stalled over portions of an area of Texas known as “Flash Flood Alley.”
Kerr County has been the focal point of the disaster. The death tally in the Kerrville area now stands at 116, including 27 children and counselors who were at the all-girls summer camp Camp Mystic. Recovery efforts continue in and around Kerrville, where officials have said 101 people remain missing. It might be months before all are found, officials have said.
Related:Remembering the girls and leaders of Camp Mystic lost to the Kerr County floods
Related:Remembering the victims of the Kerr County floods
Related:Climate change may have made Kerrville floods deadlier
Disaster Declaration and Response
Abbott has declared a state disaster in 26 counties across Central Texas, the Hill County and South Texas. The designation allows those areas to access federal aid.
Abbott was joined by state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, the chair of a special Senate flood committee created ahead of the special session, and state Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, who is a member of the House flood committee. Lawmakers will hold their first hearing on the flood on Wednesday at the Capitol with a second hearing planned to take place in Kerrville in the coming weeks.
“We’re ready to go to work,” Perry said.
Special Session Agenda
Flood and emergency response items are among 18 issues Abbott wants lawmakers to address in the coming weeks. Abbott has faced criticism from the left for including redistricting on his special session agenda, saying politically charged redrawing of congressional districts will distract from addressing the floods.
Other items on the special session agenda include regulating hemp-derived THC products, eliminating the STAAR test and abortion. Lawmakers had filed 105 bills as of Thursday. Only four of the proposals were related to floods or emergency response.
Ongoing Flooding Threats
Flooding threats in Texas continue as a storm system churning across Louisiana appears to be taking aim at Texas. In response, Abbott activated emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rains in east and southeast Texas that could cause additional flooding along the Louisiana border and the Gulf Coast.
Conclusion
The recent flooding in Central Texas has resulted in significant loss of life and property damage. Governor Abbott has declared a state disaster in 26 counties and has called on the Texas Legislature to create new laws to provide relief funding, improve disaster preparedness and communications, and streamline government response to disasters. The special session agenda includes flood and emergency response items, as well as other issues such as redistricting and regulating hemp-derived THC products. As the flooding threats in Texas continue, it is essential for state and local authorities to work together to provide assistance and support to affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current death toll from the flooding in Central Texas?
A: The statewide death toll from the catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has risen to 135, with dozens more remaining missing.
Q: What areas of Texas were affected by the flooding?
A: The state experienced widespread flooding across Central Texas, the Hill Country, and South Texas, with Kerr County being the focal point of the disaster.
Q: What is being done to respond to the flooding?
A: Governor Abbott has declared a state disaster in 26 counties, and state and local authorities are working together to provide assistance and support to affected areas. The Texas Legislature will also be addressing flood and emergency response items during a special session.
Q: Are there any ongoing flooding threats in Texas?
A: Yes, a storm system churning across Louisiana appears to be taking aim at Texas, and Governor Abbott has activated emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rains in east and southeast Texas.
