May 29—AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott provided an update at a news conference on the state’s ongoing response to help Texans and North Texas communities devastated by severe weather and tornadoes, following a briefing with state and local officials in ValleyView. Governor Abbott also signed the state’s emergency declaration to add Denton, Montague, Cooke and Collin counties, bringing the total number of counties under the disaster declaration to 106.
“Texans across the state are saddened by the tragic loss of seven lives due to severe storms in North Texas,” Governor Abbott said. “We estimate that nearly 100 people have been injured, more than 200 homes or structures have been destroyed and more than 220 buildings have been damaged. As further assessments are made, these numbers may increase. It has been a harrowing week with lives lost and property reduced. to rubble and crushed hopes and dreams of those who owned homes or small businesses, but in true Texas fashion, Texans are responding to this great tragedy with love, care and generosity. We’ve seen heroism from first responders, volunteer fire departments. law enforcement, and those who may never be known. Amid the rubble that surrounds us here today, I am moved by the sight of the American flag continuing to flutter in the wind. “I am proud of our country and our state for coming together during difficult times. In times like these, the State of Texas will continue to engage with affected communities to ensure they can rebuild and recover.”
During the press conference, Governor Abbott encouraged Texans across the state to pray for the safety and speedy recovery of North Texas communities. The governor also provided a brief overview of the work state agencies are doing to help the region recover, including conducting last-ditch search and rescue missions; providing assistance, support and supplies to people in need of immediate assistance; assist in removing debris; and working with local and federal partners to provide funding to affected Texans. In addition, Governor Abbott urged Texans whose homes or buildings have been damaged to contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to see if they have coverage and to report the damage at damage.tdem.texas.gov. These self-submitted surveys help officials connect affected Texans with recovery resources and help determine eligibility for federal disaster assistance.
The Governor was joined at the press conference by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, Representative David Spiller, Representative Lynn Stucky, Cooke County Judge John Roane, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Assistant Chief Kevin Starbuck and others. state and local officials.
Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to assist local communities from the impacts of severe weather, including: – Readying state emergency response resources by April 25, ahead of wildfires and severe weather threats. – Issuing a disaster declaration on April 30 for counties affected by recent storms and deploying additional state emergency resources in anticipation of severe weather and flooding. The governor first amended his disaster declaration on May 2, updated it further on May 7, amended it again on May 15 and added additional counties on May 20. requests for state aid. – Holding a May 6 briefing with local and state officials from affected areas and providing an update on the state’s robust response efforts to support local communities. – Request for a presidential disaster declaration on May 15 for Texas communities affected by severe storms. – Securing partial approval of a presidential disaster declaration on May 17 for parts of the state affected by severe weather. – Requests to add additional counties to the May 19 Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas communities affected by severe storms. — Providing an update on the state’s response and recovery efforts in affected communities.
