Governor Abbott tours flood damage and pledges ongoing support for Texans affected by devastating Hill Country flooding

Hunt, Texas – In the wake of widespread flooding across Texas, Governor Greg Abbott visited the hard-hit Hill Country to witness the destruction firsthand and to provide updates on the state’s emergency response. Speaking at the Hunt Store following an aerial tour of flood damage, Governor Abbott pledged unwavering support for those affected and emphasized the urgency of locating missing persons.

“The hearts of our fellow Texans are breaking every single day because of what people in this community and the surrounding area are going through,” Governor Abbott said during the press conference. “There’s nothing more important on our hearts and minds than the people impacted, especially those who are still lost. We have to find every single person who’s missing, and that’s job No. 1. Texas is in this with the people of the Hill Country. We are not leaving until the job is done.”

The Governor was joined by several high-ranking state officials, including Speaker Dustin Burrows, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin, and Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer. Together, they conducted an aerial survey of flood damage before addressing the public.

Over 2,100 Deployed to Support Flood Response

Governor Abbott revealed that the State of Texas has mobilized more than 2,100 personnel and over 1,100 vehicles and equipment assets to help manage the ongoing crisis. More than 20 state agencies are actively responding to the flooding across multiple communities. These resources have been deployed to assist with search-and-rescue operations, damage assessments, emergency response, and recovery efforts.

The Governor also urged the public to assist in the search for missing persons. Texans who suspect that a loved one may be missing due to the flooding are encouraged to contact authorities by calling 830-258-1111 or emailing [email protected]. He asked that reports include the missing person’s name, a detailed physical description, and photographs to help with identification. Governor Abbott warned that “filing false reports may result in criminal charges.”

Mental Health and Grief Support Services Available

Understanding the emotional toll of the disaster, Governor Abbott highlighted the availability of grief counseling and support services through several organizations. These include:

• The Salvation Army, with six Emotional and Spiritual Specialists in Kerrville

• Crisis Response Ministries of Texas

• Billy Graham Ministries Chaplain

• Hill Country Mental Health and Development Disabilities Centers

• Texas Health and Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health

• Texas Department of Public Safety Victims Assistance

These services are being made available to help individuals and families cope with loss, trauma, and uncertainty during the recovery process.

Damage Reporting Encouraged to Aid Recovery

Texans impacted by flooding are encouraged to report damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). Submissions can be made online at damage.tdem.texas.gov once it is safe to do so. These self-reports help state officials identify the hardest-hit areas and allocate resources accordingly.

In coordination with federal authorities, Governor Abbott has taken action to expand state-level emergency declarations and secure federal disaster assistance, including support from President Trump through a Major Disaster Declaration. The Governor has also elevated the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to Level II, signaling an escalated response level to the ongoing flood threats in West and Central Texas.

Texans seeking updates and flood-related resources are encouraged to visit the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov and to follow directions from local emergency officials.

Governor Abbott reaffirmed the state’s commitment to remaining on the ground and assisting communities until recovery is complete. “We are not leaving until the job is done,” he said, underscoring the determination to support Texans through one of the most challenging disasters to impact the Hill Country in recent years.