Governor Greg Abbott surveyed flood damage in Cotulla and directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to expand the state’s request for a federal Major Disaster Declaration to 30 counties following recent severe flooding along the Nueces River.
According to a July 24 news release from the governor’s office, approval of the request would make the counties eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual Assistance programs, which provide financial help to residents for qualifying disaster-related expenses.
The counties under review for damage include Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Kendall, Kerr, La Salle, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde and Webb, among others totaling 30, the release said. Additional counties may be requested as flood waters recede and further damage assessments are completed.
Abbott was joined at a Cotulla briefing by TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III and Cotulla Mayor Sandra Luna. “The preparation and response of local leaders, first responders, volunteers, and residents truly saved lives,” Abbott said, thanking those who “stepped up to protect their communities.” He warned that flood waters were expected to keep rising and urged Texans to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The White House has authorized FEMA Public Assistance funding for emergency protective measures through Direct Federal Assistance, while a broader Major Disaster Declaration request remains pending, according to the release. The state said Texans who sustained damage can report it through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool at damage.tdem.texas.gov, and can dial 2-1-1 for local assistance such as food and shelter.