Governor Greg Abbott conducted a press conference at the Hunt Store after surveying flood damage from an aerial tour to update on Texas’s response to recent severe flooding. He emphasized the urgency of locating missing persons, stating, “The hearts of our fellow Texans are breaking every single day because of what people in this community and the surrounding area are going through. There’s nothing more important on our hearts and minds than the people impacted, especially those who are still lost. We have to find every single person who’s missing, and that’s job No. 1.”
Abbott was accompanied by Speaker Dustin Burrows, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suezler, and other state officials during his visit.
He urged Texans to report any suspected missing loved ones by calling 830-258-1111 or emailing kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov with relevant details such as name and physical description. He also warned against filing false reports due to potential criminal charges.
Abbott highlighted community organizations providing grief counseling services for those affected by the floods. These include The Salvation Army’s Emotional and Spiritual Specialists in Kerrville, Crisis Response Ministries of Texas, Billy Graham Ministries Chaplain, Hill Country Mental Health and Development Disabilities Centers, Texas Health and Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health, and Texas Department of Public Safety Victims Assistance.
Before addressing the media, Abbott and Burrows assessed flood damage from above to determine needs for affected communities. They discussed strategies for future disaster protection ahead of a special session.
Texas has deployed over 2,100 personnel along with more than 1,100 vehicles and equipment assets statewide to assist local responses. Over 20 state agencies are actively engaged in addressing flooding threats across Texas.
Residents are encouraged to submit self-reported disaster damage information via TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) when safe. This data is crucial for identifying affected areas and connecting residents with necessary resources.
Governor Abbott assured ongoing efforts to provide essential resources as local authorities manage flood impacts. He mentioned obtaining federal disaster assistance approval from President Trump under a Major Disaster Declaration and amending the state’s disaster declaration to cover additional counties.
The readiness level at the State Operations Center has been elevated to Level II (Escalated Response), activating further emergency resources in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall across West and Central Texas.
Texans should adhere to local officials’ guidance while accessing flood-related resources online through the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
