Latest news with #MajorDisasterDeclaration
Newsweek
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Texas Governor Says He'll Introduce Flood Items at Special Session
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that flood-related legislation will be a priority during the upcoming Legislative Special Session beginning Monday. Abbott added four flood preparedness items to the session agenda following flooding over the Fourth of July weekend that killed at least 135 people across the Lone Star State. Newsweek has reached out to Abbott's office via email on Sunday for comment. Why It Matters The devastating floods exposed critical gaps in Texas's disaster preparedness infrastructure, particularly in the Hill Country region where many communities lack adequate warning systems. Kerr County, which suffered the majority of casualties, does not have a flood warning system despite missed opportunities over the past decade to finance one. The legislative response could fundamentally reshape how Texas prepares for and responds to natural disasters, potentially saving lives in future extreme weather events. President Donald Trump later announced on Truth Social that he had approved a "Major Disaster Declaration" for the deadly floods. What To Know The special session will address flood warning systems, emergency communications, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and natural disaster preparation and recovery. Most deaths occurred along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio, where the Hill Country's dry, dirt-packed soil cannot absorb heavy rainfall. Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp for girls, lost at least 27 campers and counselors in the flooding. The state's House and Senate have formed special committees on flooding and disaster preparedness, planning a July 31 visit to Kerrville to hear from residents. Texas state Representative Don McLaughlin, a Republican, has already introduced legislation requiring the state's top public health official to set building standards for youth camps in 100-year floodplains. The committees will begin with a joint hearing Wednesday examining the state's response, flood planning, infrastructure management, and first responder communications. Abbott initially called the special session to address other issues, including THC product regulation and congressional redistricting at Trump's request. The 30-day session now includes 17 total agenda items beyond the flood-related measures. Special session begins tomorrow. I included 4 items to address flood preparedness and recovery: Flood warning systems Flood emergency communications Relief funding Natural disaster prep & recovery We must ensure better preparation in the — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 20, 2025 What People Are Saying Texas Governor Greg Abott wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "Special session begins tomorrow. I included 4 items to address flood preparedness and recovery: Flood warning systems, Flood emergency communications, Relief funding, Natural disaster prep & recovery We must ensure better preparation in the future." Dalton Rice, Kerrville City Manager, said in a statement: "We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three." Rice continued: "This remarkable progress reflects countless hours of coordinated search and rescue operations, careful investigative work, and an unwavering commitment to bringing clarity and hope to families during an unimaginably difficult time." Rob Kelly, Kerr County Judge, said in a statement: "To every member of law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency management, and supporting agencies — thank you. Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion have brought comfort and answers to so many." Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What to know about assistance and flood recovery in San Angelo: FEMA declares disaster
Tom Green County and San Angelo residents who were affected by the devastating floods on July 4 will now be able to apply for FEMA individual assistance support after President Donald Trump added the county to the Major Disaster Declaration on Friday, as previously reported by the Standard-Times. Now that over a week has passed since the floods, here is what is next for San Angelo and the residents affected by the flooding. Damage Resource Center The Damage Resource Center at PaulAnn Church has moved to the Concho Valley Transit annex building at 506 N. Chadbourne St. Resources will be available to the public from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. More: Police, City of San Angelo issue order of restricted areas due to flooding More: San Angelo pets in need after historic flood The center aims to be a comprehensive, one-stop resource for flood survivors to access critical support and begin their recovery process. The following services will be offered at the new Damage Resource Center: Federal Emergency Management Agency application assistance Help filling out individual assistance paperwork FEMA case worker support Guidance on documentation requirements Translation services for non-English speakers Intake services for local assistance programs Connection to local support agencies Information about emergency housing options Guidance on utility assistance Small Business Administration loan information The San Angelo Community Organizations Active in Disaster will continue to provide immediate and long-term assistance to those affected by the flood through the new DRC at the Concho Valley Transit annex building. The COAD will provide referrals to specific services, information about cleanup efforts and guidance on insurance claims. The coalition is made up of nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, faith-based groups and volunteer organizations. For residents needing household items, the Concho Valley Turning Point warehouse will be another distribution center for those items while the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank will be a facility providing food assistance. There will also be essential household items available at the Concho Valley Transit annex building. Transportation to the DRC, Concho Valley Turning Point, and Concho Valley Regional Food Bank will be provided by COAD. Financial Assistance Financial recovery is being managed by the San Angelo Area Foundation, which has already raised over $1 million through 800 individual donations. An emergency grant program is being developed to support affected residents. 'Now that may sound like a lot of money,' Mike Lewis, president and CEO of the San Angelo Area Foundation, said. 'That may sound great. On the first Tuesday in May, our community raised $4 million in 24 hours for a lot of nonprofits called San Angelo Hands, so I know we can raise more money.' Individuals are encouraged to continue donating money to the San Angelo Area Foundation online. Community officials said the FEMA emergency grants have not started yet, and more information will be released as soon as possible. Clean-up efforts COAD has already begun helping residents affected by the flooding by cleaning their homes and businesses. Galilee CDC is now overseeing the cleanup efforts. By analyzing data from submitted Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool Surveys, they aim to compile a comprehensive list of homes that still require cleaning. COAD and Galilee CDC identified six teams vetted as approved cleaning organizations: TLC in San Angelo, Rubicon, Samaritans, Minutemen Disaster Relief, God's Pit Crew and Texans on Mission. The organizations will be in Tom Green County this weekend to help with ongoing efforts. Even though local, state and national organizations are coming to assist in cleanup, city and community officials urge residents to continue helping clean debris from homes and to coordinate with COAD and Galilee CDC. The CBCAA contacted local utility companies in the area and made arrangements not to disconnect any services. Residents are still urged to contact their utility providers. Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at sports@ Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @Paul_Witwer. This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: FEMA declares disaster: San Angelo launches flood recovery plan
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Donald Trump to visit Texas week after flash floods; check full schedule
President Donald Trump will visit Texas on Friday, July 11, a week after deadly floods led to the loss of over 120 lives. An Associated Press report said that the US President is expected to embark on an aerial tour of some of the hard-hit areas. He will also visit the state emergency operations centre to interact with first responders and relatives of flood victims. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit the flood-affected areas of Texas (Bloomberg) Trump's visit to Kerrville County in Texas comes as the focus shifts towards the government's response to the floods. The disaster in Texas is the deadliest of Trump's second term in office, Reuters reported. Local and federal officials have faced scrutiny about whether more could have been done to warn people about the rising water levels. Reuters reported that years ago, Kerr County declined to install an early-warning system after it did not secure state grant money. The Trump administration has backed the response to the Texas floods via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It has sent funds for disaster recovery, property losses and temporary housing. The US President has largely declined to talk about his prior plans to reduce or abolish FEMA and plans for its key functions to be carried out at the state and local level. Also read: Camp Mystic: Haunting visuals reveal aftermath of deadly Texas flood that left 27 dead Full schedule of Donald Trump's Texas visit: As per the Austin American-Statesman, the full schedule of the US President's visit to Kerrville County, Texas, is as follows: 8:30 am: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will leave the White House and travel to Kerrville, Texas. 11:20 am: Donald and Melania Trump arrive in Kerrville. 1:10 pm: The president and first lady will take part in a roundtable discussion with local officials and first responders. 2:15 pm: Donald and Melania Trump to leave Kerrville and visit Bedminster, New Jersey. Also read: Who was John Burgess? Brother of country singer Pat Green swept away in deadly Texas floods What did Donald Trump say about the Texas floods? The Republican President signed a 'Major Disaster Declaration' for Kerr County on July 6. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised the state first responders and other teams involved in the rescue and search efforts for saving more than 850 lives. In the early hours of July 4, torrential rainfall led to the Guadalupe River overflowing its banks. The resulting flash floods killed over 100. Dozens remain missing. One of the biggest sites of tragedy was Camp Mystic, an almost century-old summer camp for girls located on the banks of the river. Floodwaters swept away dozens of campers from the location. At least 27 people have been reported dead in the incident.
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
The Bulletin July 8, 2025
The rundown: Emergency operations in flood-stricken Kerr County, Texas, suffered a setback on Monday when a privately operated drone collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations, city officials said. Why it matters: In a post on Facebook Monday by Kerrville City Hall, officials reiterated that private drones need to be grounded following the collision. At least 104 people have died during the catastrophic flooding in central Texas. The majority of those killed were in Kerr County, where 28 children have died. Read more in-depth coverage: Texas Flooding Map, Update: Thousands Face New Flash Flood Risk TL/DR: Search and rescue missions are ongoing in the region as President Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the area while noting over 800 people have been saved. What happens now? Emergency search and recovery teams continue to operate in Kerr County and surrounding communities, with federal and state authorities coordinating to address immediate needs. Deeper reading Texas Flooding: Drone, Helicopter Collide Amid Search and Rescue, City Says
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Does your insurance cover flooding? How to file a claim after devastating Texas floods
As of Monday, officials report that at least 81 people have lost their lives due to the flash floods that swept through Central Texas. Among the victims are at least 28 children from Kerr County. With people still unaccounted for, Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that flash flooding remains a serious threat across parts of Texas, as additional rainfall is expected in several regions Monday. Authorities have urged residents of Hunt, a community in Kerr County, to seek higher ground this afternoon due to the risk of further flooding. On Sunday, President Trump announced that he signed a "Major Disaster Declaration' for relief for Kerr County in Texas, as the region deals with heavy rains and extreme flooding that have killed dozens. As residents come to terms with the aftermath of the flooding, here's what to know about relief and insurance claims: In response to the devastating floods that struck Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, various relief options are available to assist affected individuals and communities. Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): HHSC coordinates efforts to provide information and help to Texans during disasters. This includes assistance with food benefits (such as SNAP), health care services, and housing support. More information is available at HHSC Disaster Assistance. Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): TDEM supports plans and programs to help prevent or lessen the impact of emergencies and disasters. They provide assistance to individuals, communities, and businesses affected by disasters. More information can be found at Texas Flood Recovery. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Operated by The Community Foundation, this fund supports local rescue and recovery efforts in affected towns like Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. Central Texas Small Business Relief Fund: Launched by the Maestro Entrepreneur Center, this fund supports businesses affected by recent flooding in the Hill Country area. It aims to assist with urgent repairs, replacement of damaged equipment and supplies, and day-to-day operational expenses necessary for reopening. Texas Flood Information Clearinghouse: State agencies administer flood financial assistance programs, providing a "one-stop-shop" for information on flood mitigation funding opportunities for Texas' communities. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA): Provides disaster relief resources for individuals and families, including housing assistance and information on available programs. If you have flood insurance — either through your home insurance provider or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — it's crucial to file a claim promptly. Typically, claims must be submitted within 60 days of the flooding event. If you're having trouble contacting your insurer, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends calling 1-800-252-3439 for help. Even without insurance, you may still be eligible for federal disaster assistance. All impacted residents are urged to thoroughly document their property damage using photos and videos. While it's important to begin cleanup, the state recommends holding off on discarding damaged items until you've consulted with your insurance adjuster. It's also important to note that FEMA aid is generally only available in areas formally designated as disaster zones by the president. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Texas Hill Country, including areas like Kerrville and San Antonio, due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Forecasts predict additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. This excessive rainfall poses a risk of flash flooding in low-lying regions, rivers, creeks, and low water crossings. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Does your insurance cover Texas flooding? How to file a claim
