Abbott surveys flood damage, outlines recovery efforts

COTULLA, Texas - Gov. [KSAT 12]

Gov. Greg Abbott conducted multiple damage assessments across flood-ravaged areas of Texas this week, focusing state efforts on recovery and reconstruction following severe weather that inundated communities statewide.

During an aerial tour of the Kerrville region on Monday, Abbott surveyed neighborhoods, infrastructure and roadways damaged by floodwaters as part of his firsthand evaluation of conditions. The governor was accompanied by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer during the helicopter survey. Approximately 490 residences in the region have been documented as sustaining flood damage, according to officials.

Abbott emphasized the transition from emergency response to long-term rebuilding. "I want to thank all the first responders, volunteers and our fellow Texans for the swift and effective response to the floods. We are now transitioning into the process of cleanup and rebuilding," the governor said. State officials indicated they are coordinating with local leaders to remove debris more quickly and accelerate construction and restoration initiatives.

The governor continued his damage assessment tour by traveling to Cotulla on Friday to observe conditions in La Salle County, where the Nueces River flooding displaced hundreds of residents who chose to remain in their homes. At the La Salle County Courthouse, state and local officials briefed Abbott on response operations and resource requirements. The governor participated in a food distribution event and addressed the community at a midday news conference to discuss relief and recovery progress.

The state deployed substantial resources to impacted communities, including personnel, aircraft, boats and high-water rescue vehicles to assist families and local responders. Abbott encouraged residents in affected areas to monitor weather updates, avoid driving through flooded roads and heed guidance from state and local authorities. The flooding has resulted in at least two deaths, with fatalities reported in Uvalde and Kerr County.

Residents seeking to contribute to recovery efforts can donate through Rebuild Texas, a resource available at rebuildtx.org. State and federal flood preparation and recovery information is accessible through disaster.texas.gov and TexasReady, while current traffic and road conditions can be monitored at DriveTexas.org.