Governor Abbott Provides Update On Texas’ Severe Weather, Tornado Response Efforts In Valley View | Office of the Texas Governor

Might 26, 2024 | Austin, Texas
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Press Launch

Governor Greg Abbott at this time offered an replace on the state’s ongoing response to assist Texans and North Texas communities devastated by extreme climate and tornadoes at a press convention following a briefing with state and native officers in Valley View. Governor Abbott additionally signed the state’s extreme climate catastrophe declaration so as to add Denton, Montague, Cooke, and Collin counties, bringing the whole variety of counties below the catastrophe declaration to 106.

“Texans throughout the state are saddened by the tragic lack of seven lives as a result of extreme storms in North Texas,” mentioned Governor Abbott. “We estimate that there are near 100 individuals injured, greater than 200 houses or buildings destroyed, and greater than 220 buildings broken. As additional assessments are made, these numbers could improve. It has been a harrowing week with lives misplaced, property lowered to rubble, and crushed hopes and desires of people who owned houses or small companies, however in true Texas trend, Texans are responding to this nice tragedy with love, care, and generosity. Now we have seen heroism from first responders, volunteer fireplace departments, regulation enforcement, and people who could by no means be recognized. Amidst the wreckage surrounding us right here at this time, I’m moved by the sight of the American flag that continues to be flapping within the wind. I’m happy with our nation and our state for coming collectively throughout troublesome occasions like these. The State of Texas will stay engaged and concerned with impacted communities to make sure they’ll rebuild and recuperate.”

Through the press convention, Governor Abbott inspired Texans throughout the state to hope for the protection and swift restoration of communities in North Texas. The Governor additionally gave a quick overview of the work state companies are doing to assist the area recuperate, together with conducting ultimate search and rescue missions; offering support, help, and provides for individuals who want rapid help; helping with particles elimination; and dealing with native and federal companions to offer funding to impacted Texans. Moreover, Governor Abbott urged Texans whose houses or buildings have been broken to contact their insurance coverage corporations as quickly as potential to see if they’ve protection and report damages at injury.tdem.texas.gov. These self-submitted surveys assist officers join affected Texans with restoration assets and help with figuring out eligibility for federal catastrophe help.

The Governor was joined on the press convention by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, Consultant David Spiller, Consultant Lynn Stucky, Cooke County Decide John Roane, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington, Texas Division of Emergency Administration (TDEM) Assistant Chief Kevin Starbuck, and different state and native officers. 

Governor Abbott continues to take motion to offer all obtainable assets to assist help native communities from the impacts of extreme climate, together with:

• Readying state emergency response assets on April 25 forward of wildfire and extreme climate threats.
• Issuing a catastrophe declaration on April 30 for counties affected by current storms and deploying extra state emergency response assets in anticipation of extreme climate and flooding. The Governor first amended his catastrophe declaration on Might 2, up to date it additional on Might 7, amended it once more on Might 15, and added extra counties on Might 20.
• Growing the readiness stage of the State Emergency Operations Middle to assist help native officers with requests for state help.
• Holding a briefing on Might 6 with native and state officers from impacted areas and offering an replace on the state’s sturdy response efforts in help of native communities.
• Requesting a Presidential Catastrophe Declaration on Might 15 for Texas communities impacted by extreme storms.
• Securing partial approval of a Presidential Catastrophe Declaration on Might 17 for areas of the state affected by extreme climate.
• Requesting extra counties be added to the Presidential Catastrophe Declaration on Might 19 for Texas communities impacted by extreme storms.
• Offering an replace on the state’s response and restoration efforts in impacted communities.