Gov. Abbott provides update on Central Texas flooding, says Texas has been approved for federal aid

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott provided an update on relief efforts underway following the deadly flooding that’s swept through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend.

At a press conference in Austin on Sunday, Abbott spoke on the situation in both Kerrville and in the Austin area. He confirmed that 59 people have died in Kerrville, while 10 are still missing. Abbott also said there have been 10 confirmed deaths throughout the Central Texas region, and that 41 people are missing across all areas affected by the flooding.

The governor said that President Trump has been a “tremendous help,” after he signed a federal disaster declaration to direct federal aid to Kerr County. Abbott also said he’s been in communication with cabinet officials and numerous governors who have reached out to help in recovery efforts.

Col. Freeman Martin, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), also spoke Sunday and discussed DPS’ efforts in recovery across the area.

According to Martin, the department has deployed 230 DPS personnel to Kerr County. That includes 18 tactical marine units with boats, 65 Criminal Investigations Division (CID) personnel, 11 Texas Rangers and 28 from Special Operations, as well as nine helicopters with tactical flight officers. The agency said it was also providing cell towers to improve radio and cell communications.

Martin also said a number of federal agencies, including the DEA, HSI and FBI are assisting with search and rescue efforts.

Major General Thomas Suelzer of the Texas National Guard said there are currently 230 personnel in operation, as well as eight helicopters. A number of what Suelzer described as “high-profile” military vehicles have been used to conduct rescues in high-water areas. Suelzer also said the Texas National Guard had expanded its operations to San Saba and Burnet, in addition to its operations in Kerrville.

Suelzer said the National Guard has conducted 525 rescues: 366 by air and 159 by ground, as well as 20 ground evacuations in San Saba and five in Burnet.

Texas Division of Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd warned the public against partaking in “disaster tourism,” saying that people can put themselves in danger by doing so. Kidd also said he had heard reports of another “wall of water” coming down some creeks in the area.

Travis County officials have confirmed four deaths and between 10 and 13 people missing, while three deaths have been reported and at least five people have been reported missing in Burnet County, and one person has been confirmed dead in Williamson County.

Both Travis and Williamson counties have issued local disaster declarations and dozens of people have been rescued from floodwaters.