Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump following severe weather and flooding in South Texas. The request includes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance programs for the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy.
Governor Abbott stated, “Due to severe flooding and extreme weather in South Texas that caused devastating damage across the region, I requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration.” He emphasized the necessity of the declaration, saying, “This Presidential Disaster Declaration will provide the critical financial assistance impacted communities need to recover and rebuild.”
Residents are encouraged by Governor Abbott to self-report damages through the iSTAT damage survey. This action aids officials in assessing if additional counties require federal assistance. Abbott also expressed gratitude to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for their cooperative efforts with local and federal entities.
The request follows an evaluation of the damage from the excessive rainfall and flooding. If approved, the declaration will allow Texans who suffered damages to apply for Individual Assistance Program funding. This support covers temporary housing, emergency home repairs, and losses of uninsured personal property, among other expenses.
Approval will also activate FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources and the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program for the affected counties.
Governor Abbott has been proactive in addressing the flooding’s impact, urging collaboration in damage assessments, declaring a state disaster, and mobilizing emergency response resources.
