Governor Greg Abbott requests presidential disaster declaration after severe flooding devastates communities across Texas

Uvalde, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has asked the federal government to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration to help Texas continue its response and recovery efforts after severe weather and flooding caused widespread damage in several parts of the state.

The request seeks federal assistance for 28 Texas counties, with the possibility of expanding the declaration if additional areas qualify as damage assessments continue.

During the same day, Governor Abbott traveled to Uvalde County, where he met with emergency officials, received updates on the ongoing flood response, and personally surveyed the damage left behind by the severe weather.

Governor visits Uvalde County to review flood response

While in Uvalde County, the governor visited the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center, where state and local leaders provided a briefing on current flood conditions, emergency operations, and recovery efforts taking place throughout the region.

Abbott also met with first responders and emergency personnel working on the ground, thanking them for their continued dedication to protecting residents and helping communities recover.

“The Uvalde Community was hit very hard, but its residents are strong and resilient,” said Governor Abbott. “I am requesting a major disaster declaration for 28 counties to provide federal relief and help in the rebuilding process of this region. More counties can be added as needed. I am incredibly thankful to all the first responders for their swift and effective response to save lives.”

According to the governor’s office, emergency operations remain active as state agencies continue supporting local officials responding to flooding and storm damage across Texas.

Thousands of personnel deployed across the state

State officials reported that more than 2,700 emergency personnel have been deployed since the response began. Those crews are being supported by more than 1,500 vehicles, aircraft, and other emergency resources positioned throughout affected areas.

Rescue teams have also carried out extensive lifesaving operations. As of the latest update, more than 270 people have been rescued since the severe weather response started.

Despite those efforts, Governor Abbott warned that dangerous conditions could continue as additional rainfall and flooding remain possible in parts of Texas.

He specifically urged residents in Uvalde, Zavala, Dimmit, Sutton, and Crockett counties to stay alert, closely monitor weather forecasts, and follow instructions issued by local emergency officials.

The governor was joined during his visit by Representative Don McLaughlin, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Uvalde County Commissioner Roy Kothmann, along with other state, local, and federal emergency management leaders involved in coordinating the response.

State agencies continue providing resources, assistance, and updated information to communities affected by the flooding.

Governor Abbott also encouraged Texans to prepare for changing weather conditions by creating emergency plans, paying attention to official warnings, and remembering the safety message “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Residents are also encouraged to report flood damage and access recovery resources through Disaster.Texas.Gov as response and recovery operations continue across the state.

With federal assistance now requested and emergency crews still working in multiple regions, Texas officials say protecting lives, restoring damaged communities, and supporting long-term recovery remain their highest priorities.